Goal line -- not seeing the ball

[Rich]

I know it doesn't look good when we have to do this, but it's nice to see Markbreit address this in a column:

Originally Posted by Markbreit's Column

Let's say an official on the sideline isn't sure if the ball broke the plane of the goal line because his view of the ball was obstructed. He looks at his counterpart across the field, and he didn't have a clear view either. How do they make the call? In that situation, does the head lineman's best estimate prevail? --David Englund, Belvidere, Ill.

There is no estimating by officials in ruling a score. If no official sees the ball break the plane of the goal line, they will continue to run toward the pile of players. If they find the ball over the goal line while digging through the players, a touchdown is signaled. In the pro game, replay can assist when no one sees the ball break the plane of the goal line.