Fumble into the end zone.

[finqb13]

High School
A1 is at the 5yd line about to score when he is hit from behind by b12. The hit causes a fumble into the end zone where a5 a wide receiver recovers. Is this a score? What's the correct ruling?
Thanks.

[Welpe]

That is a touchdown.

[CT1]

Of course it's a score. Possession of a live ball in the opponent's end zone is always a TD.

ETA: Some rule sets have a "4th-down fumble" rule which may bring the ball back to the spot of the fumble.

[HLin NC]

Under NF rules that is a TD.

[LeRoy]

Td

[finqb13]

Thanks for the feedback. I read that it is always a score, but I thought I had heard differently. Thank you.

[Texas Aggie]

NCAA: unless its 4th down or on a try, TD.

[Suudy]

For the NCAA folk, does it matter if the fumble is after the line-to-gain? For example:

4th and 3 from the B10. A27 runs to the B1 where he fumbles into the EZ. A31 recovers the ball in the EZ.

TD? Or 1st and goal from the B1?

[jTheUmp]

In NCAA, the location of the line-to-gain relative to the spot of the fumble and spot of recovery/dead ball spot does not matter.

But there is a difference in rules between downs 1, 2, 3, and 4th down.

In your case, since it was 4th down, it would be 1st and goal for A at B1.

If it was 1st, 2nd, or 3rd down when your play happened, it would be a touchdown.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Suudy

For the NCAA folk, does it matter if the fumble is after the line-to-gain? For example:

4th and 3 from the B10. A27 runs to the B1 where he fumbles into the EZ. A31 recovers the ball in the EZ.

TD? Or 1st and goal from the B1?

1st and goal from the B-1. The LTG doesn't have a bearing on the 4th down fumble rule.

[Suudy]

Cool. Thanks for the answers.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by Welpe

1st and goal from the B-1. The LTG doesn't have a bearing on the 4th down fumble rule.

From a philosophical standpoint, *should* it have a bearing? Isn't the purpose of the rule to prevent an intentional forward fumble when the runner realizes he will be tackled short of the LTG?

[Welpe]

Perhaps it should but that's going to be difficult to enforce especially since a subsequent recovery by Team A causes the ball to become dead. I think the rule as it currently stands is OK.