dead ball contact

[jchamp]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

What if we extend the discussion to non-contact fouls?

A1, running with a live ball, steps out of bounds at B's 35, but doesn't know it. He proceeds down the field, turns around at B's 5, and enters the end zone demonstratively backing up, Johnny Rodgers style; an official who also doesn't realize the ball was dead flags it for taunting. Is that a form of USC that can be assessed if the violator thinks the ball is live (or regardless of what he thinks or whether the ball is live), or is it a foul only if the ball is actually in play?

I concur with Adam. Unsportsmanlike Conduct doesn't care what the status of the ball is. It can occur by any player, coach or other team representative at any time during the contest.
On the other hand, if the wing official trailing the play knows the player stepped out of bounds and let the runner get 30 yards down field without his partner knowing the play had ended, there are communications issues that must be addressed between the crew.
If it turns out the whistles had been blowing, the crew all knew the play was dead and the defense had already started to return to their huddle, then I would rather assess 5 yards for DoG, instead of 15 for USC.