Lateral/Forward Pass

parepat · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 16, 2002, 10:59am

Interesting situation. Two weeks ago we had a very stormy, windy night that resulted in the following situation.

A takes the snap and immediately throws a pass down the line of scrimmage. The initial direction of flight was clearly forward. However, the wind blew the ball and it landed clearly behind the QB. We called it an incomplete pass. Your opinions?

KWH · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 16, 2002, 11:40am

Quote:

Originally posted by parepat
Interesting situation. Two weeks ago we had a very stormy, windy night that resulted in the following situation.

A takes the snap and immediately throws a pass down the line of scrimmage. The initial direction of flight was clearly forward. However, the wind blew the ball and it landed clearly behind the QB. We called it an incomplete pass. Your opinions?

You answered your own question when you stated; "The initial direction of flight was clearly forward".
Ruling: Incomplete forward pass

bluezebra · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 16, 2002, 02:03pm

GOOD LORD! An official using the term, "Lateral". Do you read the rule book, or get your terminology from the announcers? Have you ever seen "lateral" referring to a pass in a rule book? There are two types of passes, FORWARD and BACKWARD.

Bob

SWFLguy · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 16, 2002, 08:21pm

no need to bad mouth anyone-----
the answer here is obvious to the
experienced official !!
-------------
whistle---- incomplete forward pass !

Theisey · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 16, 2002, 09:19pm

NFHS: As others have stated, it's the initial direction of the pass that determines if it is forward or not.

NCAA: this pass would by rule be a backward pass and the loose ball would remain live.