RULE 7 Snapping and Passing the Ball

SECTION 1. The Scrimmage

Starting with a Snap

ARTICLE 1. The ball shall be put in play by a legal snap unless the rules provide for a legal free kick. A.R. 4-1-4:I and II

PENALTY -
Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S19].

Not Outside an Inbounds Line

ARTICLE 2. The ball may not be snapped between an inbounds line and the nearer sideline. If the starting point for any scrimmage down is between an inbounds line and the nearer sideline, it shall be transferred to the inbounds spot.

Offensive Team Requirements

ARTICLE 3. The offensive team requirements are as follows:

a. After the ball is ready for play and before the ball is snapped:

1.

(a) The snapper, after assuming his position for the succeeding snap and touching or simulating (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball, may not move to a different position.

(b) The snapper may not lift the ball, move it beyond the neutral zone or simulate the start of a play.

(c) The snapper may take his hand(s) off the ball if it does not simulate the start of a play.

(d) Infractions of (a), (b) and (c) may be penalised whether or not the ball is snapped, and the penalty for any resultant offside by an opponent shall be cancelled [S7 and S19] (A.R. 7-1-3:V and VI)

2.

(a) Each substitute of Team A shall have been between the nine-yard marks. Team A players who participated in the previous down shall have been between the nine-yard marks after the previous down and before the next snap A.R. 3-3-4:III and IV [S19].

(b) All Team A players shall have been between the nine-yard marks after a team timeout, an injury timeout, a radio timeout, a television timeout or the end of a period [S19].

3. No player of the offensive team shall be in or beyond the neutral zone after the snapper touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball [Exceptions: (1) Substitutes and departing players; and (2) offensive players in a scrimmage kick formation who, after the snapper touches the ball, point at opponents and break the neutral zone with their hand(s)] [S7 and S19].

4. No offensive player shall contact an opponent or make a false start, which includes (A.R. 7-1-3:IV) [S7 and S19]:

(a) Feigning a charge.

(b) A shift or movement that simulates the beginning of a play. This includes the snapper who, after assuming a position for the succeeding snap and touching or simulating (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball, moves to another position.

(c) A lineman between the snapper and the player on the end of the line, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground (below the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any quick movement; or a lineman other than the snapper wearing number 50 through 79, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground (below the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any quick movement. (A.R. 7-1-3:VII, VIII, X and XI)

Exception: It is not a false start if any player on the line of scrimmage immediately reacts when threatened by a Team B player in the neutral zone (Rule 7-1-5-a-2) (A.R. 7-1-3:VIII and IX)

(d) An offensive player between the snapper and the player on the end of the line, neither legally in the backfield nor legally on the line of scrimmage, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground (below the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any quick movement.

5. An official shall sound his whistle when A.R. 4-1-4:I

(a) There is a false start A.R. 3-2-6:I and A.R. 7-1-3:VII-IX

(b) An offensive player is in or beyond the neutral zone after the snapper touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball.

NOTE: An infraction of this rule may be penalised whether or not the ball is snapped, and the penalty for any resultant offside by an opponent shall be cancelled [S7 and S19].

b. When the snap starts:

The offensive team must be in a formation that meets these requirements:

1. At least seven players legally on their scrimmage line, not less than five of whom shall be numbered 50 through 79. The remaining players must be either on their scrimmage line or legally positioned as a back A.R. 2-27-4:I [S19].

Exceptions:

(a) Rule 1-4-2-b. A.R. 1-4-2:I

(b) One player may be between his scrimmage line and the backs if in a position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper's legs. When in such position, that player may receive the snap himself or it may go directly to any player legally a back [S19].

2. The player on each side of and next to the snapper may lock legs with the snapper, but any other lineman must have both feet outside the outside foot of the player next to him when the ball is snapped [S19].

3. All players must be inbounds, and only the snapper may be encroaching on the neutral zone; but no part of his person may be beyond the neutral zone, and his feet must be stationary behind the ball [S19].

4. One player may be in motion, but not in motion toward his opponents' goal line. A lineman may not be in motion at the snap. Other players must be stationary in their positions without movement of the feet, body, head or arms [S20] (A.R. 7-1-3:I, III and XII-XIV)

PENALTY -
For dead-ball fouls: five yards from the succeeding spot. For live-ball fouls: five yards from the previous spot [S7, S19 or S20].

Approved Ruling 7-1-3

  1. A Team A player moves when the snap is started. RULING: Legal. A Team A player may start motion of any part of his body when the snap is started. [Cited by 7-1-3-b-4]
  2. A21 is legally on the end of the line of scrimmage next to A88, who is in the stance of a restricted lineman. Team A stops for one second while A21 and A88 are in the above positions, and then A21 moves to a legal backfield position and stops. Then A88 shifts to a wider position on the line. RULING: Legal if both A21 and A88 are stationary at the snap (Rules 2-22-1 and 7-1-4-a). [Cited by 2-22-1]
  3. A21 is legally on the end of the line of scrimmage next to A88, who is in the stance of a restricted lineman. Team A has stopped for one second when A21 leaves the line of scrimmage and goes in motion into the backfield. A88 shifts to a wider position on the line. RULING: A88 may break his three-point stance since he is now on the end of the line of scrimmage, but Team A must stop again for one second before the snap to make the play legal (Rule 7-1-4). [Cited by 2-22-1, 7-1-3-b-4]
  4. B71 crosses the neutral zone into the Team A backfield and does not threaten any Team A player. A23, legally in the backfield, intentionally reaches to contact B71. RULING: Team A foul, false start. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot (Rule 7-1-3-a-4). [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4]
  5. Snapper A7 touches the ball and then releases it to communicate with teammate A1. RULING: The snapper may release the ball following touching to communicate with a teammate. [Cited by 7-1-3-a-1-d]
  6. Snapper A1 lifts or moves the ball forward before backward motion of the snap. B2 bats the ball, causing it to roll loose with B3 recovering. RULING: Team A foul, illegal snap, ball remains dead. Penalty five yards from succeeding spot (Rule 4-1-1). [Cited by 4-1-1, 7-1-3-a-1-d]
  7. A73, a lineman between the snapper and the player on the end of the line who is restricted in the movement of his hand or hands, adjusts his feet and:
    1.
    Draws no reaction from B1. RULING: No foul.
    2.
    Draws a charge resulting in contact by B1. RULING: Dead ball. Team A foul. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot.
    3.
    B1 contacts A73 with a delayed charge. RULING: Dead ball. Team B foul. Penalty -- Five or 15-yard penalty from succeeding spot (Rules 7-1-5-a-1 and 9-1-2-j). [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4-c, 7-1-3-a-5-a]
  8. A66, a restricted lineman between the snapper and the player on the end of the line, or A72, a restricted player on the end of the line of scrimmage:
    1.
    Lifts a hand or hands from the ground immediately when threatened by B1, who is in the neutral zone. RULING: Blow the whistle immediately. Team B foul, offside. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot.
    2.
    Lifts a hand or hands from the ground immediately when threatened by B1, who is in the neutral zone, and A66 or A72 is in or beyond the neutral zone. RULING: Blow the whistle immediately. Team B foul, offside. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot.
    3.
    Lifts a hand or hands from the ground upon initial charge by B1, who (a) does not enter the neutral zone or (b) enters the neutral zone but does not threaten the position of A66 or A72. RULING: In both (a) and (b), blow the whistle immediately. Team A foul, false start. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4-c, 7-1-3-a-5-a, 7-1-5-a-2]

    NOTE: Before the snap, a team B player who enters the neutral zone may threaten a maximum of three Team A linemen. If the Team B player enters the neutral zone directly toward a Team A lineman, then that Team A player and the two adjacent linemen are considered to be threatened. If the Team B player enters the neutral zone directly toward a gap between two Team A lineman, then only those two Team A players are considered to be threatened.

  9. A Team A player on the line of scrimmage whose hand(s) is not on or near the ground:
    1.
    Moves immediately into the neutral zone when threatened by B1, who is in the neutral zone. RULING: Blow the whistle immediately. Team B foul. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot.
    2.
    Moves immediately, but not into the neutral zone, when threatened by B1 who is in the neutral zone. RULING: Blow the whistle immediately. Team B foul. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4-c, 7-1-3-a-5-a, 7-1-5-a-2]
  10. Before the snap, A80 on the end of the line, a nonrestricted interior lineman or a back, misses the snap count and makes an abrupt movement that simulates the start of a play. No Team B player reacts. RULING: Team A foul, false start. Dead-ball foul. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4-c]
  11. Before the snap, A80 on the end of the line, a non-restricted interior lineman or a back, misses the snap count and makes a casual movement that is not abrupt, quick or jerky and does not simulate the start of a play. RULING: No foul by Team A. [Cited by 7-1-3-a-4-c]
  12. A30, lined up legally as a back, starts in motion legally. He then turns so that he still is legally in motion but is facing his line of scrimmage using a "side-step" motion. At the snap, A30 is bent slightly forward at the waist and is either continuing his "side-step" motion or is "marking time" in place. RULING: Legal. [Cited by 7-1-3-b-4]
  13. A30, lined up legally as a back, starts in motion legally. He then turns so that he still is legally in motion but is facing his line of scrimmage using a "side-step" motion. At the snap, A30, still behind the neutral zone, is moving slightly forward from the waist up or his "side-step" motion has veered slightly toward the line of scrimmage. RULING: Illegal motion. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 7-1-3-b-4]
  14. A30, lined up legally as a back, starts in motion legally. He then turns so that he is still legally in motion but is facing his line of scrimmage using a "side-step" motion. At the snap, A30 has inadvertently moved forward while still facing his line of scrimmage with his sideways shuffling motion and is now moving along Team A's line of scrimmage. RULING: Illegal motion. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 7-1-3-b-4]

Shifts and False Starts

ARTICLE 4. a. If a snap is preceded by a huddle or shift, all players of the offensive team must come to an absolute stop and remain stationary in their positions, without movement of the feet, body, head or arms, for at least one full second before the ball is snapped (A.R. 7-1-4:I) [S20].

b. It is not intended that Rule 7-1-4-a should prohibit smooth, rhythmical shifts if properly executed. A smooth cadence shift or unhurried motion is not an infraction. However, it is the responsibility of an offensive player who moves before the snap to do so in a manner that in no way simulates the beginning of a play. After the ball is ready for play and all players are in scrimmage formation, no offensive player shall make a quick, jerky movement before the snap, including but not limited to (A.R. 7-1-4:II-IV)

1. A lineman moving his foot, shoulder, arm, body or head in a quick, jerky motion in any direction [S19].

2. The snapper shifting or moving the ball or moving his thumb or fingers, flexing his elbows, jerking his head or dipping his shoulders or buttocks [S19].

3. The quarterback "chucking" his hands at the snapper, flexing his elbows under the snapper, jerking his head or dropping his shoulders quickly just before the snap [S19].

4. A player, before the snap, simulating receiving the ball by "chucking" his hands toward the snapper or quarterback, or making any quick, jerky movement that simulates the beginning of a play [S19].

PENALTY -
For fouls before the ball is snapped: five yards from the succeeding spot. For fouls when the ball is snapped: five yards from the previous spot [S7, S19 or S20].

Approved Ruling 7-1-4

  1. After a huddle or shift, all Team A players come to a stop and remain stationary for one second. Then, before the snap, two or more simultaneously change their positions. RULING: All 11 Team A players must remain stationary for one second before the snap, otherwise it is an illegal shift. Penalty -- Five yards from previous spot (Rule 2-22-1). [Cited by 2-22-1, 7-1-4-a]
  2. After a huddle or shift, Team A players take preliminary positions, then advance or drop into final positions. RULING: Such movement constitutes a shift; players must hold their final positions for one second before the snap (Rule 2-22-1). [Cited by 2-22-1, 7-1-4-b]
  3. Ten Team A players shift while A1 remains stationary. A1 then starts moving backward before one second elapses and the ball is snapped. RULING: If A1, who moved, did not halt with the other Team A players for one second prior to the snap, it is an illegal shift. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot (Rule 2-22-1). [Cited by 2-22-1, 7-1-4-b]
  4. After the Team A players have stopped for one second, end A88 runs wide and stops, and before one second elapses, back A36 starts moving backward. RULING: Legal. But if back A36 starts before end A88 stops, the simultaneous movement of two players constitutes a shift and all Team A players must be stationary for one second before the snap (Rule 2-22-1). [Cited by 2-22-1, 7-1-4-b]

Defensive Team Requirements

ARTICLE 5. The defensive team requirements are as follows:

a. After the ball is ready for play and before the ball is snapped:

1. No player may touch the ball except when moved illegally as in Rule 7-1-3-a-1, nor may any player contact an opponent or in any other way interfere with him. An official shall sound his whistle immediately (A.R. 7-1-5:I-III) [S7 and S18].

2. No player may enter the neutral zone causing an offensive lineman to react immediately. An official shall sound his whistle immediately [Rules 2-18-2-a and 7-1-3-a-4-c Exception] A.R. 7-1-3:VIII and IX [S7 and S18]

3. No player shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play. No player may call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of (or otherwise interfere with) offensive starting signals. An official shall sound his whistle immediately [S7 and S21].

4. Player(s) aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage may not make quick or abrupt actions that are not part of normal defensive player movement in an obvious attempt to cause an offensive player(s) to foul (false start). An official shall sound his whistle immediately [S7 and S21].

PENALTY -
Dead ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7, S18 or S21]

b. When the snap starts:

1. No player may be in or beyond the neutral zone at the snap.

2. All players must be inbounds.

PENALTY -
Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S18].

Approved Ruling 7-1-5

  1. Snapper A1 lifts the ball before backward passing it, B2 bats the ball away and B3 recovers the ball. RULING: Team A foul, illegal snap. The ball is dead because it was not put in play by a legal snap. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot. Team A retains possession. [Cited by 2-23-1-b, 2-23-1-f, 4-1-1, 7-1-5-a-1]
  2. Snapper A1 legally begins the snap, but B2 bats the ball before A1 completes the snap, and B3 recovers the ball. RULING: Team B foul and the ball is dead. Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot. Team B may not touch the ball until it has been snapped. Team A retains possession. [Cited by 2-23-1-b, 2-23-1-f, 4-1-1, 7-1-5-a-1]
  3. Prior to the snap, a Team B player crosses the neutral zone and continues his charge behind a Team A lineman and directly toward the quarterback or kicker. RULING: A Team B player who is on team A's side of the neutral zone and is moving in a direct path toward the quarterback or kicker while he is behind an offensive lineman is considered to be interfering with Team A's formation. Penalty -- Team B foul, offside. Dead ball. Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 7-1-5-a-1]

Handing the Ball Forward

ARTICLE 6. No player may hand the ball forward except during a scrimmage down as follows:

a. A Team A player who is behind his scrimmage line may hand the ball forward to a backfield teammate who is also behind that line.

b. A Team A player who is behind his scrimmage line may hand the ball forward to a teammate who was on his scrimmage line when the ball was snapped, provided that teammate left his line position by a movement of both feet that faced him toward his own end line and was at least two yards behind his scrimmage line when he received the ball. (A.R. 7-1-6:I)

PENALTY -
Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of a down if by Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage down [S35 and S9].

Approved Ruling 7-1-6

  1. A83, an eligible receiver, is the end on his line and adjacent to the snapper in an unbalanced "T" formation. Quarterback A10 receives a handed snap and immediately conveys the ball to A83. RULING: If the movement of the ball is forward and it left A10's hand before having been touched by A83, it is a legal pass. A83 may have turned sufficiently to receive a backward pass or handoff (legal); but if the action immediately followed the snap, it is not likely that a handoff would have had time to comply with the "turn" and "two yards behind the line" requirement. [Cited by 7-1-6-b]

Planned Loose Ball

ARTICLE 7. A Team A player may not advance a planned loose ball in the vicinity of the snapper.

PENALTY -
Five yards from the previous spot and loss of down [S19 and S9].

SECTION 2. Backward Pass and Fumble

During Live Ball

ARTICLE 1. A runner may hand or pass the ball backward at any time, except to throw the ball intentionally out of bounds to conserve time.

PENALTY -
Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of down if by Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage down A.R. 3-4-3:III [S35 and S9].

Caught or Recovered

ARTICLE 2. A backward pass or fumble may be caught or recovered by any inbounds player.

a. If caught, the ball continues in play (A.R. 7-2-2:I and II)

Exceptions:

1. Rule 8-3-2-d-5

2. When on fourth down, before a change of team possession, a Team A fumble is caught in advance of the fumble by a Team A player other than the fumbler, the ball is dead and returned to the spot of the fumble. If the fumble is caught behind the spot of the fumble by a Team A player other than the Team A fumbler, the ball is dead at that spot.

b. If recovered by the fumbling or passing team, the ball continues in play A.R. 2-23-1:I

Exceptions:

1. Rule 8-3-2-d-5

2. When on fourth down, before a change of team possession, a Team A fumble is recovered in advance of the fumble by a team A player other than the fumbler, the ball is dead and returned to the spot of the fumble. If the fumble is recovered behind the spot of the fumble by a Team A player other than the Team A fumbler, the ball is dead at that spot.

c. If recovered by an opponent of the fumbling team, the ball continues in play.

d. If recovered by an opponent of the passing team, the ball continues in play.

e. If a backward pass or fumble is caught or recovered simultaneously by opposing players, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the team last in possession. (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a Exception 2, 7-2-2-b Exception 2 and 8-3-2-d-5).

Approved Ruling 7-2-2

  1. An opponent snatches (steals) the ball from the runner in the field of play. RULING: Fumble; the ball continues in play (Rule 2-10-1). [Cited by 2-10-1, 7-2-2-a]
  2. A player of the receiving team in the field of play catches a kick, then fumbles the ball. A player of the kicking team intercepts or recovers the fumbled ball. RULING: The ball continues in play. [Cited by 7-2-2-a]

After the Ball is Snapped

ARTICLE 3. No offensive lineman may receive a hand-to-hand snap.

PENALTY -
Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S19].

Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 4. a. When a backward pass goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball belongs to the passing team at the out-of-bounds spot; if out of bounds behind a goal line, it is a touchback or safety.

b. When a fumble is out of bounds in advance of the spot of the fumble, the ball is returned to the fumbling team at the spot of the fumble. Fumbles out of bounds behind the spot of the fumble belong to the fumbling team at the out-of-bounds spot. If a fumble is out of bounds behind a goal line, it is a touchback or safety (Rules 8-5-1 and 8-6-1) A.R. 7-2-4:I A.R. 8-6-1:I and A.R. 8-7-2:VIII-IX

Approved Ruling 7-2-4

  1. B20 intercepts a legal forward pass (a) in his end zone, (b) on his three-yard line, and his momentum carries him into his end zone, or (c) in the field of play and retreats into his end zone. In each instance, B20 fumbles in the end zone and the ball rolls forward and out of bounds on Team B's two-yard line. RULING: The ball belongs to Team B at the spot of the fumble (Team B's end zone); (a) touchback, (b) Team B's ball at the three-yard line, and (c) safety (Rules 8-5-1 and 8-6-1). [Cited by 7-2-4-b, 8-2-1-c, 8-5-1-a, 8-6-1-a]

At Rest

ARTICLE 5. When a backward pass or fumble comes to rest inbounds and no player attempts to secure it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the passing or fumbling team at the dead-ball spot.

SECTION 3. Forward Pass

Legal Forward Pass

ARTICLE 1. Team A may make one forward pass during each scrimmage down before team possession changes, provided the pass is thrown from a point in or behind the neutral zone.

Illegal Forward Pass

ARTICLE 2. A forward pass is illegal:

a. If thrown by a Team A player who is beyond the neutral zone [S35 and S9].

b. If thrown by a Team B player or if thrown by a Team A player after team possession has changed during the down [S35].

c. If it is the second forward pass by Team A during the same down [S35 and S9].

d. If, to conserve time, the pass is not thrown immediately after the ball is first controlled after the snap or is thrown after the ball has touched the ground. If, to conserve time, the pass is thrown where no eligible Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch it (A.R. 7-3-2:II-VIII) [S35 and S9].

e. If thrown from in or behind the neutral zone after a runner in possession of the ball has gone beyond the neutral zone [S35 and S9].

PENALTY -
Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of down if by Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage down A.R. 3-4-3:IV and (A.R. 7-3-2:II) [S35 and S9]

f. If, to save loss of yardage, a forward pass is thrown where no eligible Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch it. When in question, the Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch the pass (A.R. 7-3-2:I) [S36 and S9].

Exceptions:

1. It is not a foul when the passer, who is outside the frame of the body of the normal tackle position toward a sideline, throws the ball so that it lands in or out of bounds beyond the neutral zone. (A.R. 7-3-2:IX)

2. It is not a foul when the passer, who is outside the frame of the body of the normal tackle position toward a sideline, throws the ball so that it touches a player, an official, or anything beyond the neutral zone.

PENALTY -
Loss of down at the spot of the foul [S36 and S9]

Approved Ruling 7-3-2

  1. Any time during the game, quarterback A10, who is not outside the frame of the normal tackle position toward a sideline and is attempting to save yardage, intentionally throws a desperation forward pass that falls incomplete where no eligible Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch it. RULING: Intentional grounding. Penalty -- Loss of down at the spot of the foul. The clock starts on the snap (Rule 3-2-5-a). [Cited by 3-2-5-a, 7-3-2-f]
  2. In the closing minutes of either half, A10 is unable to locate an open receiver. To conserve time, he throws a forward pass that is incomplete where no eligible Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch it. RULING: Illegal pass. Penalty -- Five yards and loss of down from the spot of the foul. The clock will start on the ready-for-play signal (Rule 3-2-5-a-8). [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d, 7-3-2 Penalty]
  3. On third down near the end of either half, potential field goal holder A4 muffs the snap and A4 or potential kicker A3 retrieves the ball and immediately throws it forward to the ground. RULING: Illegal pass, not a valid attempt to conserve time. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  4. The ball is snapped over the head of quarterback A12, who is in the "shotgun" formation. A12 recovers the ball and immediately throws it forward to the ground. RULING: Illegal pass, not a valid attempt to conserve time. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  5. On third down near the end of the first half, A1 muffs the hand-to-hand snap, immediately recovers the ball and throws it forward into the ground. RULING: Illegal pass, not a valid attempt to conserve time. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  6. On third down near the end of the half, A1 muffs the snap. A1 or A4 catches the muffed ball and immediately throws it forward into the ground. RULING: Legal play. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  7. On the third down near the end of the half, A1 - positioned seven yards behind the snapper - catches the snap and immediately throws the ball forward to the ground. RULING: Legal play. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  8. With seconds remaining in a half and the ball declared ready for play, Team A quickly lines up and the ball is legally snapped to quarterback A12, who throws the ball forward directly to the ground. Team A's formation was not legal at the snap. When the ball becomes dead, two seconds show on the game clock. RULING: Illegal formation. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot. The clock starts on the next snap. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-8, 7-3-2-d]
  9. Quarterback A10 sprints out and is outside the frame of the normal tackle position toward the sideline when he throws a legal forward pass that lands beyond the neutral zone. RULING: It is not intentional grounding when a passer, who is outside the frame of the normal tackle position, and facing loss of yardage, throws a forward pass that lands beyond the neutral zone, even if no eligible offensive player(s) has a reasonable opportunity to catch the ball (including if the ball lands out of bounds over a sideline [neutral zone extended] or endline). [Cited by 7-3-2-f-1]

Eligibility to Touch Legal Pass

ARTICLE 3. Eligibility rules apply during a down when a legal forward pass is thrown. All Team B players are eligible to touch or catch a pass. When the ball is snapped, the following Team A players are eligible:

a. Each player who is in an end position on his scrimmage line and who is wearing a number other than 50 through 79 (A.R. 7-3-3:I)

b. Each player who is legally positioned as a back wearing a number other than 50 through 79.

c. A player wearing a number other than 50 through 79, in position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper's legs.

Approved Ruling 7-3-3

  1. At the snap, tight end A85 is on the line of scrimmage. Flanker A23 is two yards outside of A85 and is neither on his line of scrimmage nor in the backfield. RULING: A23 is in an illegal position and is an ineligible pass receiver. A85 is an eligible pass receiver since he is on the end of the line of scrimmage (Rules 2-21-2 and 2-27-4). [Cited by 7-3-3-a]

Eligibility Lost by Going Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 4. No eligible offensive receiver who goes out of bounds during a down shall touch a legal forward pass in the field of play or end zones or while airborne until it has been touched by an opponent or official. (A.R. 7-3-4:I-III)

Exception: This does not apply to an eligible offensive player who attempts to return inbounds immediately after being blocked out of bounds by an opponent (A.R. 7-3-4:IV)

PENALTY -
Loss of down at the previous spot [S16 and S9].

Approved Ruling 7-3-4

  1. Eligible A88 goes out of bounds, but does not touch the pass, which is legally completed to A80. RULING: Legal play. [Cited by 7-3-4]
  2. Eligible A88 voluntarily goes out of bounds, returns, and is the first player to touch the legal forward pass. This touching by A88 occurs in Team B's end zone. RULING: Illegal touching. Penalty -- loss of a down at the previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-4]
  3. Eligible A88 voluntarily goes out of bounds during a down in which a legal forward pass is thrown. He returns to the field of play but does not touch the ball and is fouled by an opponent before the ball is touched by any player. RULING: Not pass interference - A88 is not eligible to catch a legal forward pass. Penalty -- Five, 10 or 15 yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-4]
  4. Wide receiver A88 is forced out of bounds by B1 and then runs 20 yards before returning to the field of play. A88 catches a legal pass in Team B's end zone. RULING: Loss of down at the previous spot due to A88's failure to return inbounds immediately. [Cited by 7-3-4]

Eligibility Gained or Regained

ARTICLE 5. When a Team B player or an official touches a legal forward pass, all players become eligible (A.R. 7-3-5:I)

Approved Ruling 7-3-5

  1. Team B touches the legal forward pass near a sideline while A1 is out of bounds. A1 comes inbounds and touches the pass. RULING: Touching by Team B made all players eligible during the remainder of the down. [Cited by 7-3-5]

Completed Pass

ARTICLE 6. Any forward pass is completed when caught by a player of the passing team who is inbounds, and the ball continues in play unless completed in the opponent's end zone or the pass has been caught simultaneously by opposing players. If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by opposing players inbounds, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the passing team (Rule 2-2-7) A.R. 2-2-7:III and A.R. 7-3-6:I-IX

Approved Ruling 7-3-6

  1. Team A's legal forward pass is first touched by one of its eligible players, then caught by another. RULING: Completed pass. [Cited by 7-3-6]
  2. Two opposing players receive a legal forward pass while both are off the ground, and both players return to the ground inbounds at the same time. RULING: Simultaneous catch; the ball is awarded to the passing team (Rule 2-2-8). [Cited by 2-2-8, 7-3-6]
  3. Two opposing players receive a ball while both are off the ground, and one player returns to the ground inbounds before the other. RULING: No simultaneous catch. The legal forward pass is completed or intercepted by the player who first returned to the ground (Rule 2-2-8). [Cited by 2-2-8, 7-3-6]
  4. An airborne player receives a legal forward pass. While still in the air, he is tackled by an opponent and obviously held for a moment before being carried in any direction. He then lands inbounds or out of bounds with the ball. RULING: Completed pass. The ball is dead at the yard line where the receiver/interceptor was held in a manner that prevented him from immediately returning to the ground (Rule 4-1-3-p). [Cited by 4-1-3-p, 7-3-6]
  5. Airborne A80 receives a legal forward pass at his 30-yard line. While still in the air, he is tackled by B40 and driven forward to team A's 34-yard line, where he is downed. RULING: Team A's ball at its 34-yard line (Rule 5-1-3-a). [Cited by 7-3-6]
  6. Airborne A80 receives a legal forward pass at his 30-yard line. While still in the air, he is tackled by B40 and driven backward to team A's 26-yard line, where the ball becomes dead. RULING: Team A's ball at the 30-yard line (Rule 5-1-3-a Exception). [Cited by 5-1-3-a, 7-3-6]
  7. A86 is legally forced out of bounds by B18 at Team B's two-yard line. A86, while attempting an immediate return to the field of play, leaps from out of bounds and is airborne as he receives A16's legal forward pass. He lands in Team B's end zone completing the catch. RULING: Touchdown (Rules 4-1-3-c, 4-2-3-a, 7-3-4 Exception and 8-2-1-b). [Cited by 7-3-6]
  8. B33 leaps from out of bounds and is airborne as he receives Team A's legal forward pass. He lands in the field of play (or Team B's end zone) completing the interception. RULING: B33 is a runner until he loses player possession or the ball becomes dead by rule. First and 10 for Team B (or possibly a touchback) (Rules 4-1-3-c, 4-2-3-a, 5-1-1-e and 7-3-4). [Cited by 7-3-6]
  9. A84 voluntarily goes out of bounds to elude B28. A84 leaps from out of bounds and is airborne as he receives A15's legal forward pass. He subsequently lands in the field of play completing the catch. RULING: A84 is a runner until he loses player possession or the ball becomes dead by rule. Loss of down at the previous spot (Rules 4-2-3-a and 7-3-4). [Cited by 7-3-6]
  10. While airborne, eligible receiver A89 touches a forward pass when he propels it toward (a) eligible receiver A80, who catches the pass; or (b) B27, who intercepts the pass. RULING: Legal play, and the ball remains live in both (a) and (b). A89 has batted a forward pass (Rules 2-2-7, 2-10-3, 9-4-1-a).

Incompleted Pass

ARTICLE 7. a. Any forward pass is incomplete when the pass touches the ground or is out of bounds by rule. It is also incomplete when a player leaves his feet and receives the pass but first lands on or outside a boundary line, unless his progress has been stopped in the field of play or end zone (Rule 4-1-3-p) A.R. 2-2-7:III and A.R. 7-3-7:I

b. When a legal forward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing team at the previous spot.

c. When an illegal forward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing team at the spot of the pass (Exception: If any illegal pass is thrown from the end zone, the offended team may accept a safety or decline the penalty and accept the result of the play). (A.R. 7-3-7:II-IV)

Approved Ruling 7-3-7

  1. Eligible A88 touches a legal forward pass while he is contacting a boundary line. RULING: The ball is out of bounds, the pass is incomplete, and the down counts. Eligibility of the touching player does not affect this ruling. [Cited by 7-3-7-a]
  2. Third and nine on Team A's six-yard line. A1 intentionally grounds a forward pass in his end zone to save loss of yardage. RULING: Team B may accept a safety or it is Team A's ball, fourth and nine on the six-yard line. The clock starts on the snap. [Cited by 3-2-5-a, 7-3-7-c]
  3. Fourth and nine on Team A's six-yard line. A1 intentionally grounds a forward pass in his end zone to save loss of yardage. RULING: Team B may accept a safety or it is Team B's ball, first and goal on the six-yard line. [Cited by 7-3-7-c]
  4. Third and nine on Team A's six-yard line. A1 throws a second forward pass from his end zone. B2 intercepts and is downed on Team A's 20-yard line. RULING: Team B may accept a safety or take the result of the play (i.e., first down on Team A's 20-yard line). [Cited by 7-3-7-c]

Illegal Contact and Pass Interference

ARTICLE 8. a. During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone, illegal contact by Team A and Team B players is prohibited from the time the ball is snapped until it is touched by any player or an official. (A.R. 7-3-8:II and III)

b. Offensive pass interference by a Team A player beyond the neutral zone during a legal forward pass play in which a forward pass crosses the neutral zone is contact that interferes with a Team B eligible player. It is the responsibility of the offensive player to avoid the opponents. It is not offensive pass interference (A.R. 7-3-8:VI, VII, XIII, XVIII and XIX)

1. When, after the snap, a Team A ineligible player immediately charges and contacts an opponent at a point not more than one yard beyond the neutral zone and does not continue the contact more than three yards beyond the neutral zone.

2. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball. (A.R. 7-3-8:XII)

3. When the pass is in flight and two or more eligible players are in the area where they might receive or intercept the pass and an offensive player in that area impedes an opponent, and the pass is not catchable.

c. Defensive pass interference is contact beyond the neutral zone by a Team B player whose intent to impede an eligible opponent is obvious and it could prevent the opponent the opportunity of receiving a catchable forward pass. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable. Defensive pass interference occurs only after a legal forward pass is thrown. It is not defensive pass interference (A.R. 7-3-8:I, IV, V, IX-XI, XIV and XV)

1. When, after the snap, opposing players immediately charge and establish contact with opponents at a point that is within one yard beyond the neutral zone.

2. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball (A.R. 7-3-8:XII)

3. When a Team B player legally contacts an opponent before the pass is thrown (A.R. 7-3-8:XIII)

4. When a Team A potential kicker, from scrimmage kick formation, simulates a scrimmage kick by throwing the ball high and deep, and contact by a Team B player occurs.

PENALTY -
Pass interference by Team A: 15 yards from the previous spot [S33].
Pass interference by Team B: Team A's ball at the spot of the foul, first down, if the foul occurs less than 15 yards beyond the previous spot. If the foul occurs 15 or more yards beyond the previous spot, Team A's ball, first down, 15-yard penalty from the previous spot [S33].
When the ball is snapped between the Team B 17-yard line and the Team B two-yard line and the spot of the foul is beyond the two-yard line, the penalty from the previous spot shall place the ball at the two-yard line, first down (A.R. 7-3-8:XVII)
No penalty enforced from outside the two-yard line may place the ball inside the two-yard line (Exception: Rule 10-2-2-g-2).
If the previous spot was on or inside the two-yard line, first down halfway between the previous spot and the goal line (Rule 10-2-3 Exception).

Approved Ruling 7-3-8

  1. A Team B player, defending against a legal forward pass beyond the neutral zone, has his back to the ball and is waving his arms in the face of an eligible player of Team A, who, in his attempt to catch the pass, bumps into the Team B player. RULING: Pass interference by the Team B player, first down. He was not making a bona fide attempt to catch or bat the pass. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  2. Wide receiver A80, 15 yards beyond the neutral zone, turns his back toward the neutral zone. The passer throws the ball over A80's hands, which are extended above his head. The ball is overthrown and beyond the receiver (uncatchable pass) when B2 intentionally contacts A80. RULING: Personal foul (Rule 9-1-2-f), not pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified. First and 10 for team A. [Cited by 7-3-8-a]
  3. Wide receiver A88, 15 yards beyond the neutral zone, runs a curl pattern and stops near the sideline. The passer throws the ball several yards over A88's hands, which are extended above his head (uncatchable pass) when B2 intentionally contacts A88. RULING: Personal foul (Rule 9-1-2-f), not pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified. First and 10 for team A. [Cited by 7-3-8-a]
  4. A83, a wide receiver 10 yards from the nearest interior lineman, slants toward the middle of the field. Before the ball is thrown, B1, a backer, legally blocks him and knocks him down. RULING: Legal unless the block was below the waist (Rule 9-1-2-e-1-b). [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  5. Before the ball is thrown, A88 is directly in front of B1, a backer, who legally pushes him with both hands and knocks him down. RULING: Legal. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  6. Team A lines up at the snap with A88 spread 10 yards wide and A44 four yards to his inside. Just before the Team A passer releases the ball, A88 contacts B1 five yards beyond the neutral zone. The pass is thrown to A44, who has moved in front and to the outside of the spot where A88 had contacted B1. RULING: Team A foul, offensive pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-8-b]
  7. Before the ball is thrown, wide receiver A88 moves four yards downfield directly toward and in front of the defender, B1. At this spot, B1 pushes A88, who then uses his hands to contact B1. RULING: Team A foul, offensive pass interference, if the legal forward pass is beyond the neutral zone. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-8-b]
  8. Before the ball is thrown, wide receiver A88 slants to the inside where B1, the backer, attempts to block him. A88 uses his hands to shove B1 away. RULING: Team A foul, offensive pass interference if the legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone. If B1's initial contact was below the waist and beyond the neutral zone, Team B also has fouled and the live-ball fouls offset.
  9. A88, an eligible receiver, curls and stops 10 yards beyond the neutral zone. After the ball, a catchable forward pass, is thrown and before it touches A88, B1 contacts A88 from the back or side with a tackle, grasp or push and the pass is incomplete. RULING: Team B foul, defensive pass interference. Penalty -- Spot foul and first down. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  10. A88, a spread receiver, runs a 10-yard route and cuts 90 degrees to the sideline; and after the ball is thrown, B2 recovers and contacts A88 with a tackle, block, grasp or push before A88 touches the ball, a catchable forward pass. RULING: Team B foul, defensive pass interference. Penalty -- Spot foul and first down. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  11. A80, a tight end, runs 10 yards into the secondary and cuts toward the goal posts. B1 is one step behind and to the outside when he recovers. After the legal forward pass has been thrown, B1 contacts A80 with a tackle, block, grasp or push as the ball goes over A80's outstretched hands. RULING: Team B foul for defensive pass interference. Penalty -- Spot foul and a first down if infraction occurs less than 15 yards from previous spot; 15-yard penalty from the previous spot and a first down if the foul is more than 15 yards beyond the neutral zone. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  12. A88 and B2 are running closely together before or after the ball has been thrown. Either A88 or B2, or both, falls when their feet become entangled. Neither player was tripped intentionally. RULING: No foul. [Cited by 7-3-8-b-2, 7-3-8-c-2]
  13. Before the pass is thrown, wide receiver A88 and defender B1 are running shoulder to shoulder and side by side 15 yards beyond the neutral zone. A88 is nearest to the sideline, and B1 is nearest to the hash mark. A88 breaks to the inside. B1 does not move, and A88 collides with him. RULING: No foul. [Cited by 7-3-8-b, 7-3-8-c-3]
  14. Wide receiver A88 and defender B1 are running shoulder to shoulder and side by side 15 yards beyond the neutral zone. A88 is nearest to the sideline, and B1 is nearest to the hash mark. A legal forward pass is thrown toward the goal post. While the ball is in the air, A88 breaks to the inside toward a catchable forward pass. B1 does not move and makes no attempt to go for the pass, and A88 collides with him. RULING: Team B foul, defensive pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot and first down. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  15. A44, a slot back, runs a pattern 25 yards downfield toward the goal line pylon. B1, a safety, is positioned between A44 and the pylon when the ball is thrown. B1 obviously reduces his speed and collides with A44 before the catchable ball touches the ground. RULING: Team B foul, defensive pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from the previous spot and first down. [Cited by 7-3-8-c]
  16. A80, a tight end, moves across the formation on a pass pattern at a depth of 25 yards where he contacts B1, a safety, before or after the ball has been thrown. A88, a wide receiver, positioned on the opposite side from the tight end at the snap, crosses behind the contact of A80 and B1 and catches the legal forward pass. RULING: Team A foul, offensive pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from previous spot.
  17. Fourth and goal for Team A on Team B's five-yard line. Team A's legal forward pass is incomplete, but Team B interfered on its one-yard line or in its end zone. RULING: First and goal for Team A on Team B's two-yard line. [Cited by 7-3-8 Penalty]
  18. A80 and B60 are attempting to catch a forward pass thrown toward A80's position, which is beyond the neutral zone. The pass is high and ruled uncatchable. As the ball passes overhead, A80 pushes B60 in the chest. RULING: Not offensive pass interference. [Cited by 7-3-8-b]
  19. On a legal forward pass beyond the neutral zone, A80 and B60 are attempting to catch the pass thrown to A80's position. A14, who is not attempting to catch the pass, blocks B65 downfield, either before the pass is thrown or while the uncatchable pass is in flight. RULING: Team A foul, offensive pass interference. Penalty -- 15 yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-8-b]

Contact Interference

ARTICLE 9. a. Either Team A or Team B legally may interfere with opponents behind the neutral zone.

b. Players of either team may legally interfere beyond the neutral zone after the pass has been touched (A.R. 7-3-9:II)

c. Defensive players legally may contact opponents who have crossed the neutral zone if the opponents are not in a position to receive a catchable forward pass.

1. Those infractions that occur during a down when a forward pass crosses the neutral zone are pass interference infractions only if the receiver had the opportunity to receive a catchable forward pass.

2. Those infractions that occur during a down when a forward pass does not cross the neutral zone are Rule 9-3-4 infractions and are penalised from the previous spot.

d. Pass interference rules apply only during a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone (Rules 2-19-3 and 7-3-8-a and c) A.R. 10-2-2:XXXVII

e. Contact by Team B with an eligible receiver involving a personal foul that interferes with the reception of a catchable pass may be penalised either as pass interference or as a 15-yard personal foul enforced from the previous spot. Rule 7-3-8 is specific about contact during a pass. However if the interference involves an act that ordinarily would result in disqualification, the fouling player must leave the game.

f. Physical contact is required to establish interference.

g. Each player has territorial rights, and incidental contact is ruled under "attempt to reach ... the pass" in Rule 7-3-8. If opponents who are beyond the line collide while moving toward the pass, a foul by one or both players is indicated only if intent to impede the opponent is obvious. It is pass interference only if a catchable forward pass is involved. (A.R. 7-3-9:I)

h. Pass interference rules do not apply after the pass has been touched anywhere inbounds by an inbounds player or has touched an official. If an opponent is fouled, the penalty is for the foul and not pass interference. (A.R. 7-3-9:II)

i. After the pass has been touched, any player may execute a legal block during the remaining flight of the pass.

j. Tackling or grasping a receiver or any other intentional contact before he touches the pass is evidence that the tackler is disregarding the ball and is therefore illegal.

k. Tackling or running into a receiver when a forward pass obviously is underthrown or overthrown is disregarding the ball and is illegal. This is not pass interference but a violation of Rule 9-1-2-f and is penalised 15 yards from the previous spot plus a first down. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.

Approved Ruling 7-3-9

  1. A80, a tight end, goes downfield eight yards, stops and turns to catch a pass, and does not contact an opponent. A44, a wingback, goes downfield eight yards and cuts to the inside, causing B1, who is pursuing him, to contact A80 after the ball was thrown. RULING: No foul against B1 unless the ball, a catchable forward pass, is thrown to A80. [Cited by 7-3-9-g]
  2. A legal forward pass beyond the neutral zone is tipped or muffed by an eligible receiver of either team or glances off an official, and thereafter, while the pass is still in flight, either Team A or Team B holds or otherwise fouls an eligible opponent who is beyond the neutral zone. RULING: Interference rules do not apply after the pass has been touched. Penalise as a foul during a loose ball. Penalty -- Five, 10 or 15 yards from the previous spot (Rule 9-3-6). [Cited by 7-3-9-b, 7-3-9-h]

Ineligibles Downfield

ARTICLE 10. No originally ineligible player shall be or have been beyond the neutral zone until a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone has been thrown. (A.R. 7-3-10:I and II)

Exceptions:

1. When, after the snap, a Team A ineligible receiver immediately charges and contacts an opponent at a point not more than one yard beyond the neutral zone and does not continue the contact more than three yards beyond the neutral zone.

2. When contact that has driven an opponent no more than three yards from the neutral zone is lost by a player who was ineligible at the snap, he must remain stationary at that spot until the pass is thrown.

PENALTY -
Five yards from the previous spot [S37].

Approved Ruling 7-3-10

  1. Ineligible lineman A70 crosses the neutral zone and does not make contact with an opponent. He circles toward the flank and returns across the neutral zone before A10 throws a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone. RULING: Ineligible downfield. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 7-3-10]
  2. Ineligible lineman A70 makes contact with an opponent within one yard of the neutral zone. A70 drives B4 more than three yards beyond the neutral zone and then circles back across the neutral zone before A1 throws a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone. RULING: Team A foul, ineligible downfield or offensive pass interference. Penalty -- Five yards from previous spot or 15 yards from previous spot (Rule 7-3-8-b). [Cited by 7-3-10]

Illegal Touching

ARTICLE 11. No originally ineligible player while inbounds shall intentionally touch a legal forward pass until it has touched an opponent or an official A.R. 5-2-3:I and A.R. 7-3-11:I-III

PENALTY -
Five yards from the previous spot [S16].

Approved Ruling 7-3-11

  1. Late in the half, quarterback A10, who is not outside the frame of the body of the normal tackle position, throws a desperation pass to intentionally save yardage that falls incomplete after first touching ineligible A58. RULING: Penalty -- Loss of down at the spot of the pass. The clock starts on the snap (Rule 7-3-2-d). [Cited by 7-3-11]
  2. An originally ineligible player of Team A intentionally first touches a legal forward pass inbounds. RULING: Illegal touching. The ball continues in play, but the foul is subject to penalty when the ball becomes dead. Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot (Rule 4-1-3). [Cited by 7-3-11]
  3. Team A snaps on its 10-yard line. A10 retreats and then passes forward to ineligible A70 who, while in his end zone, (a) touches the ball as he attempts to catch the pass, and the pass is incomplete; (b) catches the pass and is downed in the end zone; or (c) catches the pass and is downed after having advanced to his three-yard line. RULING: (a) Team B may elect the penalty to get the five yards or refuse the penalty so the down will count. (b) The ball is dead in the end zone with impetus by Team A, and Team B may elect the safety or the penalty at the previous spot. (c) The down counts if the penalty is refused and the dead-ball spot is more advantageous to Team B than the penalty [NOTE: (a), (b) and (c) could be intentional grounding depending on the location of an eligible Team A player or the location of A10 when the ball is thrown] (Rule 10-1-1-b). If intentional grounding is warranted, there is no illegal touching. [Cited by 7-3-11]

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Editor: Jim Briggs, BAFA/BAFRA Rules Committee
rules@britishamericanfootball.org