Backward Pass

[w_sohl]

Is it legal to throw a backward pass out of bounds for the purpose of stoppng the clock? A rules reference would be greatly appreciated.

[Theisey]

NF: yes this is legal. The clock would start on the snap.
check rules 7-4-? and 3-4-? (sorry no books).

I know you don't really need this info, but under NCAA this would be a spot foul and we would start the clock on the ready.

[PSU213]

There is nothing in the rules that forbids intentionally throwing a backwards pass OOB to conserve time. The only passes which can be illegal are foward passes, as outlined in 7-5-2. Also I think the definition of a rule (2-35) is important here, specifically this part: "A rule sometimes states what a player may do, but if there is no such statement for a given act (such as faking a kick), it is assumed that he may do what is not prohibited."

As for some of the rules that Theisey was looking for: 3-4-3a (the clock starts on the snap if the clock was stopped because the ball went OOB) and 3-4-4e (the clock shall be stopped when the ball goes OOB). 7-4 discusses fumbles and backwards passes and does not mention or prohibit intentionally throwing a backward pass OOB.

[sm_bbcoach]

Originally posted by w_sohl
Is it legal to throw a backward pass out of bounds for the purpose of stoppng the clock? A rules reference would be greatly appreciated.

Is it legal to throw a backwards pass OB (mostly to his side but slightly backwards) to aviod a sack?

[Smiley]

Originally posted by sm_bbcoach

Is it legal to throw a backwards pass OB (mostly to his side but slightly backwards) to aviod a sack?

Yes

[Schultj]

If you throw a backwards pass out of bounds, the ball would be spotted at where the ball went out because it is considered a fumble, correct? This would explain why there is no penalty on the play; they have already lost the yardage.

[Smiley]

Originally posted by Schultj
If you throw a backwards pass out of bounds, the ball would be spotted at where the ball went out because it is considered a fumble, correct? This would explain why there is no penalty on the play; they have already lost the yardage.

It is considered a backwards pass out of bounds and is spotted at the inbounds spot at the yard line where it went out of bounds. There is no penalty for a backwards pass out of bounds.

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by sm_bbcoach

Is it legal to throw a backwards pass OB (mostly to his side but slightly backwards) to aviod a sack?

Why would you do that since the ball would end up behind the spot where the QB would have been sacked?

[SWFLguy]

Possible situation where the QB might do that.
-----
3rd and goal to go from the 5 for A who is down by 2 points
and 10 seconds left on the clock. Team QB takes the snap and drops back to pass--- his #1 receiver is double teamed, he looks for his
secondary and sees he is being rushed by the defense. Rather
than risk being hit and fumbling the ball- he throws is backwards
out of bounds to stop the clock AND retain possession.
Team A now brings in ACE kicker to kick a 25 yard FG and
win the game !!!
Legal-- you bet-- and also smart play !!
Anyone have a rule that say no ??

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by SWFLguy
Legal-- you bet-- and also smart play !!
Anyone have a rule that say no ??

I bet there isn't a HS player in the country who's that smart.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

I bet there isn't a HS player in the country who's that smart.

That's why I love this board. You guys think of everything!!

[SWFLguy]

but--- no matter how long you've been at
the "officiating game"-- and you think
you've seen EVERYTHING-------
then something happens and you
think--
"what the hell was that !!"
keeps it interesting doesn't it ??

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by SWFLguy
but--- no matter how long you've been at
the "officiating game"-- and you think
you've seen EVERYTHING-------
then something happens and you
think--
"what the hell was that !!"
keeps it interesting doesn't it ??

And on your toes.

Peace

[cowbyfan1]

Thanks all.. Now that this has been discussed it will happen in one of my games and the defensive team will be screaming for intentional grounding and won't get it..