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514 Questions

Last Answer on January 23, 2021

In trying to run time off the clock at the end of a close game, can offensive player with ball stop short of the goal line and stand there waiting for the defense to try to get to him before he steps over the goal line? Or is that “Taunting”?

Asked by sb about 11 years ago

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with this. Not much different than the times when a punter takes a snap and runs around in the endzone (I think this was in last yeat's Super Bowl) to kill time before running out of bounds. Defensive teams have allowed offenses to score in order to get the ball back quickly. It isn't a "mockery" of te game, it's a strategy. As long as the ball carrier isn't taunting (e.g. waving it in the face of the opponent) it seems to be a legal and a smart move.

714 Votes

If 2 penalties on defense such as off sides and pass interferences which one is called it doesn't matter if flag was thrown first for off sides

Asked by Rick over 10 years ago

You can't enforce two live ball fouls against the same team as you describe it. In this case, you decline the off side foul and accept the more serious/significant DPI.

714 Votes

Does a college football coach have the option of declining a "running into the punter" penalty and simply accept the result of his team's punt?

Asked by LaVerne about 10 years ago

Technically, you can decline any penalty. Running into is a five yard penalty. I've seen that often. If you don't get a first down with five yards and it was a great punt, flip the field and decline the penalty.

714 Votes

Is there a rule regarding players from the sideline entering the field of play (end zone as well) and participating in the celebration of a score?

Asked by Dont about 9 years ago

In the NFL, there cannot be choreographed celebrations. Having your non-players (off the sideline) on the field likely falls into that category. In college it is specific: Rule 9-2-1 says no one - including the mascot - is allowed on the field during any period without the permission of the referee.

714 Votes

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Can multiple players wear the same number as long as they are not on the field at the same time and as long as they play within the jersey number allowed for that position. In other words can an offense have two #80 WRs that would rotate in and out

Asked by Bravovictor about 11 years ago

You had a yes answer until you threw in that last line. I'm going to deal with NCAA rules. Rule 1-4-2-e reads: Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game. [Italics added] The obvious reason is deception and unsportsmanlike activity. You could, in theory, have a #80 playing WR and also have an 80 at defensive end. To take it one step further, if you do have two 80's, for example, they cannot be in the gane at the same time.

713 Votes

If contact is made between a receiver and a defender past 5 yards downfield, and the contact is initiated by the offensive player is that an infraction? If not, does that give the offensive player motive to just run into the defender & draw a flag?

Asked by Reese over 10 years ago

You're talking NFL illegal contact beyond 5 yards. Offensive pass interference (OPI) rules begin with the snap. If a receiver makes contact - not just brushing past a defender or trying to get away - it is OPI. Defensive pass iterference begins once the ball is thriown.

713 Votes

A defensive back makes a diving Interception in the Opponents endzone and then gets to his feet and spikes the ball is this a fumble or a Touchback. The one Official was signaling touchback and blew his whistle. But the White Hat over ruled and gave t

Asked by Tim about 10 years ago

In college or hs, the ball is dead when player hits ground so that is a touchback. In NFL, a player can get up and run. It would appear that we have a fumble.

713 Votes

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Football Official

Ask me anything!

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In trying to run time off the clock at the end of a close game, can offensive player with ball stop short of the goal line and stand there waiting for the defense to try to get to him before he steps over the goal line? Or is that “Taunting”?

If 2 penalties on defense such as off sides and pass interferences which one is called it doesn't matter if flag was thrown first for off sides

Does a college football coach have the option of declining a "running into the punter" penalty and simply accept the result of his team's punt?

Is there a rule regarding players from the sideline entering the field of play (end zone as well) and participating in the celebration of a score?

Also on Jobstr...

Can multiple players wear the same number as long as they are not on the field at the same time and as long as they play within the jersey number allowed for that position. In other words can an offense have two #80 WRs that would rotate in and out

If contact is made between a receiver and a defender past 5 yards downfield, and the contact is initiated by the offensive player is that an infraction? If not, does that give the offensive player motive to just run into the defender & draw a flag?

A defensive back makes a diving Interception in the Opponents endzone and then gets to his feet and spikes the ball is this a fumble or a Touchback. The one Official was signaling touchback and blew his whistle. But the White Hat over ruled and gave t

Football Official

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

In trying to run time off the clock at the end of a close game, can offensive player with ball stop short of the goal line and stand there waiting for the defense to try to get to him before he steps over the goal line? Or is that “Taunting”?

If 2 penalties on defense such as off sides and pass interferences which one is called it doesn't matter if flag was thrown first for off sides

Does a college football coach have the option of declining a "running into the punter" penalty and simply accept the result of his team's punt?

Is there a rule regarding players from the sideline entering the field of play (end zone as well) and participating in the celebration of a score?

Also on Jobstr...

Can multiple players wear the same number as long as they are not on the field at the same time and as long as they play within the jersey number allowed for that position. In other words can an offense have two #80 WRs that would rotate in and out

If contact is made between a receiver and a defender past 5 yards downfield, and the contact is initiated by the offensive player is that an infraction? If not, does that give the offensive player motive to just run into the defender & draw a flag?

A defensive back makes a diving Interception in the Opponents endzone and then gets to his feet and spikes the ball is this a fumble or a Touchback. The one Official was signaling touchback and blew his whistle. But the White Hat over ruled and gave t

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