legal forward pass

[jerseyref]

Can A1 QB run and cross beyond neutral zone, then return behind neutral zone and throw a legal forward pass?

Also, cound end A85, who is 2 yards beyond neutral zone, catch a pass, turn, throw a backward pass to A75 who is behind the neutral zone. Then, A75 throws a forward pass downfield to A85 for a touchdown.

thanks...

[csb1971]

Originally Posted by jerseyref

Can A1 QB run and cross beyond neutral zone, then return behind neutral zone and throw a legal forward pass?

Also, cound end A85, who is 2 yards beyond neutral zone, catch a pass, turn, throw a backward pass to A75 who is behind the neutral zone. Then, A75 throws a forward pass downfield to A85 for a touchdown.

thanks...

We had that first scenario happen in a game a couple of weeks ago. That IS legal, even though our crew flagged it. We dug through the rules and the case book and found that scenario described. As long as they are behind the line when the pass is thrown, it is legal, regardless of the fact that he was once across the neutral zone.

(EDIT) Here's the case book citation:

5.1.3 SITUATION D:
K’s ball, fourth and 2 at midfield. The scrimmage kick crosses the expanded neutral zone and is muffed by R at the R 40-yard line. The ball then bounds back behind the line of scrimmage and is recovered by K2 at K’s 43-yard line. K2 advances to K’s 49-yard line where he throws an incomplete pass to eligible receiver K80 at the R38.

RULING:
This is not an illegal forward pass as the ball was legally thrown behind the neutral zone. There has been no change of possession during the down. K is awarded a new series as the ball was touched by R beyond the expanded neutral zone and K is in possession at the end of the down. It will be K’s ball, first and 10 at midfield due to the incomplete pass. (7-5-2; 2-34-3; 5-1-3f; 7-5-5)


As far as the second one goes, that seems to me that it would be two forward passes, which would be illegal. I'm inferring that A85 based on his position being 2 yards beyond the neutral zone caught a forward pass there.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by jerseyref

Can A1 QB run and cross beyond neutral zone, then return behind neutral zone and throw a legal forward pass?

NFHS - Yes
NCAA - No

Also, cound end A85, who is 2 yards beyond neutral zone, catch a pass, turn, throw a backward pass to A75 who is behind the neutral zone. Then, A75 throws a forward pass downfield to A85 for a touchdown.

thanks...

All codes. No. Two forward passes in a down are not legal.