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514 Questions

Last Answer on January 23, 2021

In a youth football game, a ball carrier who has crossed the line of scrimmage tosses the ball in the air to avoid a tackle, and then catches the ball once past the defender. Can he do this?

Asked by Todd Glasenapp about 12 years ago

Most youth leagues use the rules that the state's high schools use. For most starws, that is the National Federation. If the ball carrier crosses the line, he cannot legallythrow the ball forward. The ball carrier can throw a backwards pass. If that occurs, there is nothing that I can find that would prevent the runner from catching his own backward pass. But, as you describe it, and I'm readingf into it, it sounds as if the ball is thrown ahead of the runner to get past the defender. That is an illegal pass.

1057 Votes

its a penalty if a defensive player leads with the helmet to the helmet of an offensive player. However, I've seen repeatedly the offensive player lead with his helmet to the helmet of the defensive player. But there is no penalty. Why not?

Asked by ssrmaineniac almost 12 years ago

It's a penalty for anyone to lead with their helmet. Why it's not called is a tough and good question. Almost every runner in an attempt to get more yardage "lowers shoulders" which, of course, lowers his head. It also is usually when they are about to get hit and they are slowing a bit. My sense is that most officials tend to see it as lowering the shoulders and not using the head as a weapon. It probably is more common to see defensive players attack the runner, creating a more forceful impact. But you're right - it should go both ways.

1054 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 almost 12 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.

1054 Votes

When the punting team keeps the ball from going into the end zone, can a player from the receiving team advance the ball?

Asked by Catch 22 almost 11 years ago

No. It is still a kick - by definition - and K cannot advance it.

1051 Votes

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Is this holding by the offensive lineman?
Is this "unnecessary roughness" unsportsmanlike conduct when he throws the defensive player to the ground like this?

https://www.facebook.com/foxsports/videos/10154349877354552/

Asked by SwoLy-D almost 11 years ago

Uhhh, yes! You pick him up? That's holding even without a rulebook. And tossing him like that? Could easily be called a personal foul or unnecessary roughness. Shows you what TV guys know.

1050 Votes

In last weeks FL LSU game, the kick holder throws a pass from a 'kneeling' position. Legal or not? His knee was down.

Asked by Henry almost 11 years ago

As I answered in another question about this play....Legal. If he went up to catch a high snap, he can still return to hold the snap. He could also throw as you describe. If he stands (for no other reason than he wants to) and then returns to the ground, he is down. Dead ball.

1049 Votes

If any team kick off the ball from center and after the first touch when the ball is being passed to another player, if the opponent player receive the ball before reaching to that player and play with is it okay?

Asked by Mohammad Asraful Islam almost 11 years ago

I'm sorry, but I do not understand what you're asking.

1049 Votes

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Football Official

Ask me anything!

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In a youth football game, a ball carrier who has crossed the line of scrimmage tosses the ball in the air to avoid a tackle, and then catches the ball once past the defender. Can he do this?

its a penalty if a defensive player leads with the helmet to the helmet of an offensive player. However, I've seen repeatedly the offensive player lead with his helmet to the helmet of the defensive player. But there is no penalty. Why not?

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

When the punting team keeps the ball from going into the end zone, can a player from the receiving team advance the ball?

Also on Jobstr...

Is this holding by the offensive lineman?
Is this "unnecessary roughness" unsportsmanlike conduct when he throws the defensive player to the ground like this?

https://www.facebook.com/foxsports/videos/10154349877354552/

In last weeks FL LSU game, the kick holder throws a pass from a 'kneeling' position. Legal or not? His knee was down.

If any team kick off the ball from center and after the first touch when the ball is being passed to another player, if the opponent player receive the ball before reaching to that player and play with is it okay?

Football Official

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

In a youth football game, a ball carrier who has crossed the line of scrimmage tosses the ball in the air to avoid a tackle, and then catches the ball once past the defender. Can he do this?

its a penalty if a defensive player leads with the helmet to the helmet of an offensive player. However, I've seen repeatedly the offensive player lead with his helmet to the helmet of the defensive player. But there is no penalty. Why not?

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

When the punting team keeps the ball from going into the end zone, can a player from the receiving team advance the ball?

Also on Jobstr...

Is this holding by the offensive lineman? Is this "unnecessary roughness" unsportsmanlike conduct when he throws the defensive player to the ground like this? https://www.facebook.com/foxsports/videos/10154349877354552/

In last weeks FL LSU game, the kick holder throws a pass from a 'kneeling' position. Legal or not? His knee was down.

If any team kick off the ball from center and after the first touch when the ball is being passed to another player, if the opponent player receive the ball before reaching to that player and play with is it okay?

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Is this holding by the offensive lineman?
Is this "unnecessary roughness" unsportsmanlike conduct when he throws the defensive player to the ground like this?

https://www.facebook.com/foxsports/videos/10154349877354552/