Tackling by Non-player
 

What is the penalty for a Non-player/Substitute player to run on the field and tackle a player running for a TD.

Example: What would have happened if a non-player or suited up player had run on the field and stopped Harrison from making that interception return right before the half?

Do you AWARD the TD on the officials judgement on the possibility he would have made the TD or not?

Pro/College/H.S. interp please.

Canadian Ruling
 

CANADIAN RULING:

Interference by an Unauthorized Person (1-13-4):

If the Referee believes that the touchdown would have been scored, a touchdown shall be awarded.

If not, the non-offending team gets:

• half the distance from PLS or PBD (PF if during a forward pass), AND
• 3 downs unless there's a score or turnover

NCAA: whatever the R feels is equitable. The minimum penalty in my view would be 15 yards with no "half the distance" exception. I'm also ejecting the player who came off the bench as he committed a flagrant foul.

I would also check with our chapter, but I'd probably go ahead and file a game report with the state association.

As far as the judgment involved, I'd just have to get with my crew and decide. The wing on that side and the back judge would have the discretion. As an R, I'd likely just mediate whatever dilemma (if any) they are having and go with that.

I've seen it in a game. Coach from the team grabbed the ball carrier as he was running past.

WH awarded the TD and ejected the coach.

Here is the steps I have come up with to use if I ever see it.

First, whomever came off the bench is gone.

Second, I try to determine the first possible location where the runner could have been legally tackled. From that point I would decide if to award the TD or not based on my assessment of relative skill level of the players involved. If I can determine that the tackle was likely to have been made then I am assessing 15 yards from the likely spot of the tackle.

Sounds reasonable. Now let's just hope that we never have the need to apply this enforcement.

Under the NFHS code, Unfair Act (NF: 10.9.1), "A player or nonplayer or person not subject to the rules shall not hinder play by an unfair act which has no specific rule coverage.

Penalty: "Unfair Act - The Referee enforces any penalty he considers equitable, including the awarding of a score."

Didn't Woody Hayes do that in one of his last games?

I believe it was after the play was over on the Ohio State sideline.

Woody punched an opposing player who had run out of bounds.

That was the last game he ever coached.

Where on earth did you get the idea that Woddy punched someone. I think I remember that play. The Clemson player had some dirt and grass stuck to his jersey. Woody was simply trying to wipe off his uniform.

Back to the post. I would simply add that I would err on the side of the offended team. Thus, I would start with the idea of awarding the TD and move back from there.