I just got the NFHS reply to me question on the OPI/Illegal touching quandry. The Federation is standing by the case book play. Frankly, I'm going with the rule book.

First, the Federation response:
The NFHS Football Clarification that was sent out to the Committee on August 25, 2011 is correct. The Editorial Committee is going to review the rules language for Rule 7-5-13 for 2012.

Here is the case book play. This is from the NFHS Clarifications of Case Book Plays, which is slightly different than the case book - but those parts specific to our question are not changed:
Page 59, *7.5.13 SITUATION A: Ineligible receiver A2 is behind, in or beyond his neutral zone when a forward pass by A1: (a) accidentally strikes him in the back; or (b) is muffed by him; or (c) is caught by him. RULING: In (a), there is no illegal touching, however, if beyond the line of scrimmage, it would be offensive pass interference if the game officials judge that the offensive player interfered with B’s chance to move toward, catch or bat the pass. In (b) and (c), it is illegal touching and if beyond the line of scrimmage, would also be offensive pass interference. The acts in both (b) and (c) are intentional and not accidental as in (a) as it relates to illegal touching. Although ineligible downfield could also be called, the offended team will likely choose the most severe penalty to be applied.

Sometimes you wonder if these yahoos even read the rules they publish. Good grief, that's a Freaking Mess.

The case is new (revised, actually) this year. I guess they plan to "fix" the rule to match it for next year. Ew.

If he catches it beyond the LOS without being touched by B first, then it is OPI, if it just hits him, it is illegal touching (i.e. he did not make an attempt to catch it), and he is illegally down field. Multiple foul take your pick captain. IMHO

That was the rule years ago. It hasn't been for quite some time.

When there is a conflict in rulings, both from seemingly reputable sources, it's good to compare the outcomes/effects of the application differences.

I believe that OPI is 15 + LD.

What is the penalty for IT?

5 + LOD.

The rule was changed from OPI to IT in 2006:

NFHS: New rule for 2006. If any ineligible player intentionally touches a forward pass anywhere on the field it is Illegal touching--5yds and loss of down. If the touching was downfield the penalty will be enforced from the previous spot. If the Illegal touching is behind the line, its enforced from the spot of the foul. Again the touching must be intentional; if the ball simply hits him, that's not illegal touching.

Matter of fact, neither of these is right. If it just hits him (and it's unintentional), it's nothing. It's been that way for 6 seasons now. For it to be an illegal touch, it must be muffed, batted, or caught by an ineligible A receiver.

Quite frankly, I'm stunned that the NFHS would essentially removed 5 years of a rule change specifically made (with an erroneous case play) and then fail to admit their error. And quite frankly, this is a bad change, quite backwards IMO.

Amen.

The rule was changed several years ago. The casebook is flat wrong!

I see the NFHS has decided to add a case for football that is as patently absurd as the infamous backcourt play in basketball. :rolleyes: