NCAA ball hits the rafters

[Forksref]

NCAA game on Saturday. A punt goes really high in our indoor stadium. What is the ruling if it hits the ceiling? Our Big Sky officials observer was up high in the press box and said it came within a few ft. of the rafters. I was the red hat official on the field so I was able to ask the crew after the game. They said there is no rule but the general opinion is that there would be a replay of the down. Any thoughts?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Forksref

NCAA game on Saturday. A punt goes really high in our indoor stadium. What is the ruling if it hits the ceiling? Our Big Sky officials observer was up high in the press box and said it came within a few ft. of the rafters. I was the red hat official on the field so I was able to ask the crew after the game. They said there is no rule but the general opinion is that there would be a replay of the down. Any thoughts?

If there is no rule, then certainly the elastic power rule would kick in, and so as long as there is some logic to your decision, it should be fine.

The NFL has said that they'd re-play the down including a clock reset, noting the large Dallas scoreboard. So if you went with that, people would easily accept it.

[CT1]

I'm surprised that there's not a "ground rule" to cover this, but assuming there's not, I'd replay the down using the IW provisions of the rules.

[Robert Goodman]

Would any of you see how much the carom affected the ball's flight, and then decide whether to ignore it?

[jTheUmp]

Nope.

The officials shouldn't be looking at the ball's flight anyway, we've got players to watch.

If it hits the rafters you'll know easily enough. (just watch for the ultra-confused punt/kick returner).

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

The officials shouldn't be looking at the ball's flight anyway, we've got players to watch.

This was my question too... what official saw it?