What is down

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by realdeal

On the interception and run back if a players shoulder is touching the ground is he down. Because the player shoulder was clearly touching the ground in the Enzone while the ball was not?

For the record, the NFHS (High School) rule states; (NF:4.2.2.a) "The ball becomes dead and the down is ended (a) When a runner goes out of bounds, is held so his forward progress is stopped or allows any part of his person other than hand or foot to touch the ground." The NCAA (College) and NFL (Pro) rules regarding this issue are similar.

There is an "exception" to this specific sub-section that allows for a place kick holder to have his knee(s) on the ground. The NCAA and NFL rules also provide for this exception although the details vary somewhat.

As suggested above, it's important to realize that although football is often referred to, "as a game of inches", it's also a game of angles.