Enforcement question.

[Illini_Ref]

2nd and 10 from A's 40. A1 runs the ball to B's 35 and fumble, which is recovered by B6.. During the play there was a facemask on B2.

I say that the fumble caused the play to be a loose ball play and that includes the run preceeding the fumble. That means we penalize from the previous spot and it is either 2nd and 5 from A's 45, or 1st and 10 from B's 45 depending on if the facemask is a 5 or 15 yarder.

Correct?

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

2nd and 10 from A's 40. A1 runs the ball to B's 35 and fumble, which is recovered by B6.. During the play there was a facemask on B2.

I say that the fumble caused the play to be a loose ball play and that includes the run preceeding the fumble. That means we penalize from the previous spot and it is either 2nd and 5 from A's 45, or 1st and 10 from B's 45 depending on if the facemask is a 5 or 15 yarder.

Correct?

Think about this. If what you say is true, why do we throw a bean bag?

[MRH]

It is penalized from the end of the run which is the spot of the fumble.

Under your scenerio you are penalizing A for B's penalty.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

2nd and 10 from A's 40. A1 runs the ball to B's 35 and fumble, which is recovered by B6.. During the play there was a facemask on B2.

I say that the fumble caused the play to be a loose ball play and that includes the run preceeding the fumble. That means we penalize from the previous spot and it is either 2nd and 5 from A's 45, or 1st and 10 from B's 45 depending on if the facemask is a 5 or 15 yarder.

Correct?

Rule 2-33-1c
A loose-ball play is action during a backward pass (including the snap), an illegal kick or fumble made by A from in or behind the neutral zone prior to a change of team possession.

Since the fumble in your play came beyond the neutral zone it is a running play and enforced as such. Great question though!

[Illini_Ref]

I feel vindicated. I was asked this question by another official yesterday and I told him that it was enforced fromt he spot of the fumble and that is why we use beanbags.

I then read the definition of loose ball play and reconsidered. I missed the "in or behind" the NZ part. Thanks guys.