QB fumble?

[NDRef]

Originally Posted by phansen

NFHS

QB A1 is attempting to pass the ball, but ends up scrambling. B2 dives at A1's feet and causes A1 to stumble forward. A1 stumbles a minimum of 3 full steps albeit off balance before placing the football on the ground in order to regain his balance. A1's hand slides off the football which he placed on the ground. The ball stays exactly where A1 put it. A1 then fall to the ground about 3 yards ahead of the ball, reaches back and tries to recover the ball.
IS this a fumble? Or was it down when the ball touched the ground since the ground can't cause the fumble. How long is B2's contact a factor?
Rulebook citation appreciated.

phansen---I am disappointed in your "ground can't cause a fumble" statement. You have been officiating and been around the game way too long to not only use this terminology, but use it as a guide in your officiating (and I assume as well your other part-time job in this area). On the other hand, you are recognizing we are never too old to continue to learn.

PS--Congrats on your award\honor last month. Very much deserved!!!

[phansen]

Originally Posted by NDRef

phansen---I am disappointed in your "ground can't cause a fumble" statement. You have been officiating and been around the game way too long to not only use this terminology, but use it as a guide in your officiating (and I assume as well your other part-time job in this area). On the other hand, you are recognizing we are never too old to continue to learn.

PS--Congrats on your award\honor last month. Very much deserved!!!

So sorry to disappoint. Guess I'm part of the group that is still learning. I've always falsely assumed "the ground can't cause a fumble" to be true until I saw this play and started evaluating it from an officials standpoint using the rules. Thanks mbyron for the rulebook citation.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by phansen

So sorry to disappoint. Guess I'm part of the group that is still learning. I've always falsely assumed "the ground can't cause a fumble" to be true until I saw this play and started evaluating it from an officials standpoint using the rules. Thanks mbyron for the rulebook citation.

Glad to see you still learning! Good luck with the game on Saturday! I hope to see the Bison in Terre Haute next weekend!

[NDRef]

Originally Posted by phansen

So sorry to disappoint. Guess I'm part of the group that is still learning. I've always falsely assumed "the ground can't cause a fumble" to be true until I saw this play and started evaluating it from an officials standpoint using the rules. Thanks mbyron for the rulebook citation.

Wow--based on what happened on Saturday, the timing of your question was almost "spooky"!!!