Backward pass

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

What if you punch back and someone on the crew rules the play incomplete? That is much more of a likely scenario than worrying about two passes. Or what if you rule the pass forward and the tape shows it was backward?

I think we worry too much about what someone might think rather than just calling the play as you see it.

Peace

What if an official throws a bag on a fumble and another official has the runner down? That's more likely and it happens from time to time.

If a wing punches back and another official calls the pass incomplete, than shame on the other official who isn't paying attention. The wing on the side where the pass is thrown (usually) gets to decide whether it's a forward or backward pass. If he punches, it's backwards and the other officials should adjust, no matter what they think.

We *always* punch back in this situation. It immediately alerts *everyone* that the pass is backwards. It's just as important when the pass is caught. A punch back lets everyone know that A could still pass the ball. And, it shows up on film, too.