Possession?

[RadioBlue]

SECTION 34 POSSESSION
ART. 1 . . . A ball in player possession is a live ball held or controlled by a player
after it has been handed or snapped to him, or after he has caught or recovered it.

SECTION 4 CATCH
ART. 1 . . . A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball
which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds or being contacted by
an opponent in such a way that he is prevented from returning to the ground
inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.

The answer to your bottom line is, "Yes, if you judge it so." Player possession = control. Catch = player possession in bounds.

[Canned Heat]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

The answer to your bottom line is, "Yes, if you judge it so." Player possession = control. Catch = player possession in bounds.

Well put.

If he's clearly on top of it and in control of it...yes. This should be blown quickly to avoid a pile on...and other than waiting that split second to confirm it's under that player's control, you should hit the whistle as the ball is recovered and the player is obviously down....unless you're referring to Professional rules.

Yes, in the second play....after confirming that it's not moving and/or has not touched the ground. I can't imagine the player not sitting up an/or reaching with his hands to gain better control of the ball, in that case.

I've had several instances of player possession with the ball between legs or knees during recovery of fumbles or loose balls on a kick-off. Usually at the lower levels.

[bkdow]

Thank you. That's how I rulled it for the same reasons...didn't want the poor kid getting decapitated. Thanks for the input!