Enforcement question. . .

[kd0254]

QB A12 snaps the ball 1st and 10 the B30 yard line. As he is in the pocket B99 grasps but does not twist and facemask of QB A12 and A12 fumbles at the B38 yard line. A64 picks up the fumble and runs to the B25 yard line where he is tackled.

Thoughts -

5 yard facemask penalty with the end of the related run (where QB A12 fumbled).

Basic spot is the end of the related run, where QB A12 fumbled @ the B38 yard line.

Typical enforcement would be 5 yards from the B38 giving A the ball 1st and 13 at the B33 yard line.

If if Team A declines the penalty they have it 2nd and 5 from the B25 yard line, which I am assuming most teams would take over 1st and 13.

So the question is. . . is this a scenario where Team A can decline the yardage option and take the penalty to keep the ball at the B25 yard line but let them have 1st down over instead of 2nd down? Rule references/case plays would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[AUgrad2006]

NFHS 5-2-1: "When a penalty is declined, the number of the next down is the same as if the foul had not occurred."

Thus, the down is only replayed if the penalty yardage is accepted.

[tomes1978]

I think that since it was a loose ball play (fumble behind the LOS) then the enforcement spot would be the B30. So 1st and 5 if they take the penalty and 2nd and 5 if they decline it.

[Welpe]

You are correct tomes, this is a loose ball play since the fumble occurred behind the neutral zone. The basic spot is the previous spot.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by kd0254

QB A12 snaps the ball 1st and 10 the B30 yard line. As he is in the pocket B99 grasps but does not twist and facemask of QB A12 and A12 fumbles at the B38 yard line. A64 picks up the fumble and runs to the B25 yard line where he is tackled.

CANADIAN RULING:

All facemasks are 15y + AFD. This FM is from either PLS or PBD. Since PBD is beyond PLS, we'll go PBD+15 which gives Team A 1D/G @ B-10.