IG on Intercepted pass

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by jaybird

Here's another thought.

The foul is called "Intentional Grounding". Since the ball never touched the ground, is it really grounding?

Actually, under the NFHS code, the foul is called an Illegal forward Pass, of which there are 5 seperate categories. Two of which are commonly referred to as "Intentional Grounding" are in fact spelled out under NF: 7-5-2 as:

(c) A pass intentionall thrown into an area not occupied by an eligible offensive receiver. and
(d) A pass intentionally thrown incomplete to save loss of yardage or to conserve time.

[Texas Aggie]

There's no reason to flag either play, especially b. If in A, the lineman is well behind the line and the QB is in the process of being tackled (not just harassed), then perhaps. But still, doing something unwise that results in the other team's score doesn't exactly fall under gaining an advantage.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

There's no reason to flag either play, especially b. If in A, the lineman is well behind the line and the QB is in the process of being tackled (not just harassed), then perhaps. But still, doing something unwise that results in the other team's score doesn't exactly fall under gaining an advantage.

The key word in the NFHS description of either of these Illegal Passes is, "intentionally", which removes the action from being, "something unwise" and makes it a deliberate attempt to negate an advantage the defense has gained honestly.

Yes, that is a judgment of the players intent, that a Referee is charged with making.