NFHS Ruling on Penalty at End of Game

[Suudy]

Originally Posted by TXMike

It was learned later the officials had called a block in the back against Branford during the return. That negated the touchdown and since the game can end on a penalty against the offense, it was over. At that point, it was only a matter of record keeping as the Hornets improved to 2-7-1 on the season

In NFHS, a period is extended for one untimed down for any accepted penalty--regardless of who committed it. So the statement that "the game can end on a penalty against the offense" isn't completely true. It can if the penalty is declined.

So A could have accepted the penalty, but B would have 1st and 10 for one untimed down. Perhaps the officials assumed A would decline the penalty, and thus just ended the game. If I was the A coach, I probably would have accepted the penalty and forced an untimed down and hoped for a fumble or other mishap. But likely B would have taken a knee at the snap on the succeeding play.

The whole "a game cannot end on a defensive penalty" statement does not apply to NFHS. I don't know about NCAA or NFL. But, again, this seems to be another example of applying Sun or Sat rules to Fri night (or in this case Thurs).

[kdf5]

I think the only thing I would modify in Suudy's response is to say that the period is extended by an untimed down if a penalty is accepted for a foul that occurs during the last timed down of a period except for unsportsmanlike fouls, non player fouls or fouls that specify a loss of down. In this case an untimed down was called for.

The crew in this play booted the pooch. They should have had an untimed down 10 yards back from the spot of the block in the back and like Suudy said at least East Haven could have hoped for a fumble and a runback.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by kdf5

The crew in this play booted the pooch. They should have had an untimed down 10 yards back from the spot of the block in the back and like Suudy said at least East Haven could have hoped for a fumble and a runback.

The officials probably would have informed the defense that Branford was taking a knew and suggested that they not to hit anyone.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by kdf5

I think the only thing I would modify in Suudy's response is to say that the period is extended by an untimed down if a penalty is accepted for a foul that occurs during the last timed down of a period except for unsportsmanlike fouls, non player fouls or fouls that specify a loss of down. In this case an untimed down was called for.

The crew in this play booted the pooch. They should have had an untimed down 10 yards back from the spot of the block in the back and like Suudy said at least East Haven could have hoped for a fumble and a runback.

Hey, the turkey is cooking and we have to get home!

I am almost sure the conference was "why bother, lets go home." NFHS rules dictate another down should have been played if the penalty was accepted or the score should have rung up six additional points without a try for point as the score is meaningless.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by Suudy

In NFHS, a period is extended for one untimed down for any accepted penalty--regardless of who committed it. So the statement that "the game can end on a penalty against the offense" isn't completely true. It can if the penalty is declined.

So A could have accepted the penalty, but B would have 1st and 10 for one untimed down. Perhaps the officials assumed A would decline the penalty, and thus just ended the game. If I was the A coach, I probably would have accepted the penalty and forced an untimed down and hoped for a fumble or other mishap. But likely B would have taken a knee at the snap on the succeeding play.

The whole "a game cannot end on a defensive penalty" statement does not apply to NFHS. I don't know about NCAA or NFL. But, again, this seems to be another example of applying Sun or Sat rules to Fri night (or in this case Thurs).

What would be the NCAA ruling here?

[TXMike]

Originally Posted by bossman72

What would be the NCAA ruling here?

Seems like it is the same as NFHS If A accepts the penalty, no TD and an untimed down. If they decline, B gets the 6 and game is over.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by TXMike

Seems like it is the same as NFHS If A accepts the penalty, no TD and an untimed down. If they decline, B gets the 6 and game is over.

REPLY: That's correct Mike. For the purposes of this play, the two rule codes concur.