Unauthorized Persons

[JugglingReferee]

Let's discuss a bit about when people who are not players interfere with the game.

Play: WR A85 is running a pattern with the ball in the air. Team B bench personelle comes onto the field and interferes with A85's chance to catch the ball.

Ruling:

• Canadian:
• NFHS:
• NCAA:
• NFL:

Play: WR A85 is running a pattern, and catches the ball. Team B bench personelle comes onto the field and tackles A85. In (a) A85 did not have an obvious chance to score a TD and in (b) A85 had nothing but grass in front of him.

Ruling:

• Canadian:
• NFHS:
• NCAA:
• NFL:

[Canfootball52]

As I'm at work right now, I do not have my Rule Book available. I belive that in the first play, Canadian rules would give A a completed pass at the spot he was interfered with. In the second play, Canadian rules give A a touchdown.

[Blue37]

NF gives the referee the authority to do anything he deems appropriate in these situations. I would tend to be extremely liberal in my award in all of your examples.

[Texas Aggie]

NCAA: we have the discretion to award a TD on the play, but I'd probably give them the reception at the spot, plus 15 yards minimum and maybe a TD if there was nobody behind the receiver. Offending player would be ejected.

[Canfootball52]

Originally Posted by Canfootball52

As I'm at work right now, I do not have my Rule Book available. I belive that in the first play, Canadian rules would give A a completed pass at the spot he was interfered with. In the second play, Canadian rules give A a touchdown.

I'm at home now and in the Canadian Amateur Football Rule Book, Rule 1-13-4(b) says that if it is obvious to the Referee that a TD would have been scored, then he shall award a TD. Otherwise, since it happened in the Field of play, the ball is moved half the distance to the goal line from Point of Foul, and Team A is awarded 3 downs regardless of the time remaining on the clock.

[Warrenkicker]

Originally Posted by Canfootball52

Otherwise, since it happened in the Field of play, the ball is moved half the distance to the goal line from Point of Foul, and Team A is awarded 3 downs regardless of the time remaining on the clock.

Now that's a penalty!!! 3 downs no matter what. Even if they fumble or throw an interception??? I hope your last statement was a summary and not verbatim from the book.

[HossHumard]

Here's the verbatim from the GWN Rule Book...

"If it is obvious to the R that a TD would have been scored, or if the unauthorized person is a substitute, coach, trainer or other occupant of the term bench, he shall award the touchdown. If not, the non-offending team shall be awarded:

1. Half the distance to the GL from the PLS or PBD

2. For illegal interference on a forward pass-
- Field of Play - Half the distance to the goal line from the PF
- End Zone - Against Team A, award the ball to Team A @ 1 yard line unless a TD is awarded.
- Against Team B, award the ball to Team B @ 10 yard line.

3. Three downs, regardless of time remaining in the period unless Team A scores on the 1st or 2nd down, or loses possession on the 1st or 2nd down, with Team B making a legal recovery"

And, worst of all, Celine Dion comes to your house and sings a song and then a Mountie beats you with his stetson....yikes, eh?

[Canfootball52]

Thanks Hoss. I did not feel like typing the rule verbatim, as I had not drank my morning coffee yet, so I summarized my answer.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by HossHumard

And, worst of all, Celine Dion comes to your house and sings a song and then a Mountie beats you with his stetson....yikes, eh?

The Mountie wouldn't scare me. After listening to Celine I'd be numb.