NFHS - Out of Bounds
 

I am unclear about what to call in the following situation:

A Wide Receiver steps on the sideline and then returns in bounds and is the first to touch a pass in flight. Is this Illegal Participation or Illegal Touching? Also, would the ruling change if the Wide Receiver was bloacked out of bounds by the defense.

Thanks for your help.

John, if you really want to understand the answer to your question you need to study and understand NFHS: 9-6. It explains the different restrictions on players being OOB and when they can return legally.

As for Illegal touching NF: 7-5-13 explains that is a foul that applies to ineligible A players. Eligibility is determined by player number and position and "a player who is eligible at the start of the down remains eligible throughout the down (NF: 7-5-6-d).

To answer both your questions;" No player of a or K shall go out of bounds and return during the down unless blocked out of bounds by an opponent. If a player is blocked out of bounds by an opponent and returns inbounds during the down, he shall return at the first opportunity." (NF: 9-6-1)

Illegal participation.

The foul is in returning, not being the first to touch the ball.

So, if A88 accidentally steps on the line, then goes up for a pass, and B49 bats the pass away and A88 never touched it - it's still a foul.

First to touch is a college and pro rule. Wipe them from our mind until you get the HS rules down.