Is a ball carrier down by contact...

[jaybird]

Originally Posted by Kajun Ref N Texas

With all due respect, do you really not know what the phrase means? I think we are getting a little to legalistic. It simply means that if you hit the ground and the ball pops out, you are down because you hit the ground first. Yes, if the ball hits first, it's a fumble. So the phrase, "the ground can't cause a fumble" is accurate unless the ball hits first.

I know exactly what it means.
It means that people who use the statement are mimicking an inaccurate comment that is not supported by rule. That also means it is usually said by fans, players, coaches and common-taters. Not what you would call an intelligent group in regard to rules knowledge.

[Kajun Ref N Texas]

Originally Posted by jaybird

I know exactly what it means.
It means that people who use the statement are mimicking an inaccurate comment that is not supported by rule. That also means it is usually said by fans, players, coaches and common-taters. Not what you would call an intelligent group in regard to rules knowledge.

Why, then, do we have this phrase in the rules, "or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his
body, except his hand or foot," if not to clarify that, contact with the ground creates a dead ball situtaion, i.e., "the ground can't cause a fumble."

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jaybird

I know exactly what it means.
It means that people who use the statement are mimicking an inaccurate comment that is not supported by rule. That also means it is usually said by fans, players, coaches and common-taters. Not what you would call an intelligent group in regard to rules knowledge.

Sort of like "tie goes to the runner."