OPI - Illegal Touch

[Old Guy]

Anyone else have someone try to convince them that an ineligible receiver down field catching a pass is not OPI?

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Anyone else have someone try to convince them that an ineligible receiver down field catching a pass is not OPI?

It's not, it's illegal touching.

[jdmara]

from the 2011 NFHS Football Case Book Clarifications

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.

[Tom.OH]

If they are, they are using a 4-5 year old (?) rule book as it was changed.
Someone out there have the correct year, let me know.

[Welpe]

jdmara, all I can say is that the case book play is wrong and completely contradicts the rule. Once upon a time, this used to be OPI but it is no longer.

[Canned Heat]

Originally Posted by Welpe

jdmara, all I can say is that the case book play is wrong and completely contradicts the rule. Once upon a time, this used to be OPI but it is no longer.

Yes...it is wrong.


ART. 13 . . . An ineligible A player has illegally touched a forward pass if he bats, muffs or catches a legal forward pass, unless the pass has first been touched by B.

PENALTY: Illegal touching (Art. 13) – (S16) – 5 yards plus loss
of down.

(Courtesy of 2011 NFHS Football Rules Book - Page 62)

[Rich]

Originally Posted by jdmara

from the 2011 NFHS Football Case Book Clarifications

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.

That's wrong.

[HLin NC]

This came up on another board. Speculation is the Fed resurrected an old case play without realizing it. Nothing official has come down but its probalby incorrect.

Wouldn't be the first time.

[Old Guy]

The NFHS clarified case-book play 7.5.13 and clearly state that this can be OPI. It doesn't make sense that if the Right Guard goes down field and touches the arm of a potential receiver then it is OPI but if he catches the ball in front of a potential receiver is is only an illegal touch.

Google 2011 NFHS Football Case Book Clarifications.