A rule interpretation, or approved ruling (AR), is an official decision on a given statement of facts. It serves to illustrate the spirit and application of the rule.
AR 1-3-2 / Illegal Equipment
I. One or more players of a team are using very wide pants or skirts.
RULING: Illegal equipment. This kind of pants or skirts is not necessary for playing. It is obvious that the players are trying to gain an advantage.
AR 3-2-4 / Playing Time
I. During the last 2 minutes of a half the clock has been stopped to award a first down.
RULING: Clock will start on the snap.
II. The pass is incomplete, the ball rolls far away from the field, and no player helps the officials to get the ball back to the scrimmage line.
RULING: The referee shall stop the clock at his discretion and the clock will start on the ready.
III. In a close game with 4 minutes on the clock, the leading offense makes delay of game by purpose for several times to consume time.
RULING: The referee shall stop the clock at his discretion and order the clock to start on the next legal snap.
NOTE: If the offense continues to consume time by unfair tactics, the referee will give them a warning to make use of R 10-1-2 and will stop the series of downs and award the ball to the opponent at their 5-yd-line.
AR 5-1-1 / New Series
I. 2 & middle at the 19-yd-line, the run is stopped at the middle line. The ball is spotted with its nose reaching 1 inch into the 4 inch wide middle line.
RULING: No first down, the middle of the field of play is at the middle of the middle line. Should the ball reach 3 inches into the middle line, it would be a first down.
II. 1 & goal at Bs 19-yd-line, the quarterback gets sacked at As 23-yd-line.
RULING: 2 & goal at As 23-yd-line, no new first down possible.
Next play: Team A completes a pass at Bs 13-yd-line.
RULING: 3 & goal at Bs 13-yd-line, no new series will be awarded.
AR 6-1-1 / Illegal Kick
I. 4 & middle at the 9-yd-line, the quarterback makes a punt to get the ball away.
RULING: Penalty for illegal kick. The ball becomes dead, the series ends by downs and the penalty will be enforced at the next scrimmage line. 1 & middle for the opponent at the 10-yd-line.
AR 7-1-3 / Illegal Run
I. 2 & middle at the 24,5-yd-line, the quarterback makes a step forward and stretch the ball over the middle before he get deflagged.
RULING: No First Down. Penalty for illegal run. 2 & middle at the 19,5-yd-line.
NOTE: Same ruling applies at the goal line. Technically it would be an illegal run play in the no-running zone too.
II. 2 & middle at the 19-yd-line, the quarterback makes a roll out and steps forward just beyond his scrimmage line and get deflagged before he throws a pass by a defender positioned less than 7 yd from the scrimmage line at the snap.RULING: Penalty for illegal run, no penalty for illegal blitz. When the quarterback has crossed the scrimmage line (R 2-3-2) all defenders have the right to pull the flag of the runner. 2 & middle at the 14-yd-line.
NOTE: A technically crossing of his scrimmage line by the defender at the flag pull will be ignored.
III. 2 & goal at the 4-yd-line, the quarterback throws a pass which is deflected by a defense player behind the scrimmage line. The quarterback catches the ball and runs into the end zone.
RULING: Touchdown, no illegal run. A pass touched by the defense is considered as a forward pass play (R 2-3-3).
IV. 2 & goal at the 4-yd-line, the quarterback throws a pass which is completed at the 5-yd-line and advanced into the end zone.
RULING: Penalty for illegal run. A forward pass has to cross the scrimmage line to be considered as a forward pass play (R 2-3-3). 2 & goal at the 9-yd-line (outside the no-running-zone), no forward pass play needed.
AR 7-1-4 / Offside and Blitzer
I. A defender reacts on the count of the quarterback and jumps over the scrimmage line.
RULING: No play. Penalty for encroachment (5 yd) as dead ball foul.
NOTE: When the defender contacts a receiver with impact (receiver has to replace himself), it will be an illegal contact (10 yd) additionally.
II. A defense player, positioned 7 yd away from the scrimmage line, raises his hand for a split second or raises his hand before the snapper touches the ball or raises his hand just at shoulder level.
RULING: It is an invalid signal, whistle to remain the ball dead.
NOTE: Inform the player before the next down to give a clear signal to get the RoW.
III. 3 or more blitzers are giving simultaneously a clear signal for getting the RoW.
RULING: Penalty for illegal blitzer signal, whistle to remain the ball dead.
IV. 2 blitzers are giving simultaneously a clear signal for getting the RoW. Before the snap one of them drops his hand and afterwards another defender, positioned 7 yd away from the scrimmage line, raises his hand for a clear signal and holds it through the last second before the snap.
RULING: No penalty for illegal blitzer signal. The 2 blitzers last giving the signal get the RoW.
V. A defense player (#46), positioned 6 yd away from the scrimmage line, raises his hand.
RULING: Penalty for illegal blitzer signal, whistle to remain the ball dead.
NOTE: Try to inform the player before the foul with: “Number 46 you are just 6 yd away from the scrimmage line.”
If the player is adjusting his position before the snap, there will be no penalty.
AR 7-2-1 / Backward pass
I. 2 & middle at the 3-yd-line. The quarterback throws a backward pass from his end zone out of bounds to avoid a sack.
RULING: No penalty, but it is a safety.
II. 2 & middle at the 3-yd-line. The quarterback throws a backward pass from the 1-yd-line out of bounds to avoid a sack.
RULING: No penalty. Next play 3 & middle at the 1-yd-line.
AR 7-2-2 / Complete pass
I. Two opposing players get in possession of a pass while both are off the ground, and both players return simultaneously to the ground inbounds.
RULING: Simultaneous catch, the ball is awarded to the passing team (R 2-10-3).
NOTE: If opposing players do not return to the ground simultaneously, the player first touching the ground inbounds with possession is awarded the completion.
II. An airborne player receives a pass. He grasps the ball firmly in his hands, and as he is returning toward the ground, the nose of the football touches the ground before any part of his body. He retains firm control of the ball as he returns to the ground inbounds and the ball does not come loose.
RULING: Completed pass.
III. An airborne player receives a pass. He grasps the ball firmly in his hands and any part of his body touches the ground inbound. Immediately upon hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and in a second effort the receiver still being inbounds regains control of the ball.
RULING: Complete pass.
IV. An airborne player receives a pass. He grasps the ball firmly in his hands and the ball or any part of his body touches the ground inbound. Immediately upon hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and touches the ground.
RULING: Incomplete pass. An airborne receiver must maintain control of the ball if going to the ground in the process of completing a catch.
V. An offense player catches the ball in the air and before he returns to the ground a defense player contacts him and he lose control of the ball. The ball falls to the ground.
RULING: Incomplete pass and defense pass interference. The pass was not completed (R 2-10-3) and the foul occurred while the ball was in the air.
VI. An offense player on the right side of the field gets contacted by a defender before the ball has been thrown by the quarterback. The pass falls incomplete on the left side of the field.
RULING: Illegal contact by the defense. It is a foul to contact an opponent whether the ball is thrown towards him or not.
VII. An offense player catches the ball in the air and still in the air makes a backward pass to another offense player. The second offense player advances the ball for further yardage.
RULING: Legal play. The pass was caught but not completed and the status of the ball will be still the first pass (R 2-9-2). The pass is completed with the second catch and the contact with the ground (R 2-10-3).
NOTE: It would be the same ruling if the pass is just touched and the ball bounce forward or backward.
AR 7-2-4 / Fumble
I. 2 & middle at the 13-yd-line. The runner loses control of the ball (fumble) at the 20-yd-line and the ball hits the ground at the 16-yd-line.
RULING: Ball is dead, no penalty. Next play 3 & middle at the 20-yd-line.
NOTE: It would be the same ruling if the ball hits the ground at the 24-yd-line (forward fumble). Also it will be the same ruling if a teammate of the fumbler catches the ball.
AR 7-3-1 / Forward pass
I. 2 & middle at the 3-yd-line. The quarterback throws a forward pass from his end zone to the ground to avoid a sack.
RULING: No penalty, there is no intentional grounding in Flag Football. Next play 3 & middle at the 3-yd-line.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws a high forward pass from behind the scrimmage line and catches his own pass for a 10 yd completion.
RULING: Penalty for illegal touching, the quarterback can catch his own pass only after another player has touched it (R 7-2-5). Next play 3 & middle at the 7-yd-line.
III. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws a forward pass from behind the scrimmage line, the ball is deflected by another player (defense or offense) and returns to the quarterback’s hands.
RULING: No penalty for illegal touching, the quarterback can advance the ball (R 7-2-5).
IV. 2 & middle at the 15-yd-line. The quarterback scrambles to avoid the blitzer runs to the 17-yd-line and throws a complete pass to the 23-yd-line.
RULING: Penalty for illegal run, 5 yards from the scrimmage line (R 7-1-3). Penalty for illegal forward pass, 5 yards from the spot of foul and a LOD. Defense has the option for 2 & middle at the 10-yd-line (illegal run) or 3 & middle at the 12-yd-line (illegal pass).
AR 8-3-2 / Penalty on a Try
I. On a 1-point try there is an accepted penalty and the try will be repeated from the 10-yd-line.
RULING: Offense can make a pass or run play for 1 point.
II. On a 2-point try there is an accepted penalty and the try will be repeated from the 7-yd-line.
RULING: Offense can make a pass or run play for 2 points.
III. On a 1-point try there is an accepted penalty and the try will be repeated from the 2,5-yd-line.
RULING: Offense can make only a pass play for 1 point.
IV. On a 2-point try there is an accepted penalty and the try will be repeated from the 2-yd-line.
RULING: Offense can make only a pass play for 2 points.
V. During a try the runner commits a flag guarding at the 3-yd-line and scores.
RULING: Penalty for flag guarding with LOD. No score, the try ends.
AR 8-4-1 / Safety
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. A blitzer grabs the pants of the quarterback in the end zone. The quarterback throws an incomplete forward pass.
RULING: Penalty for illegal contact (holding) enforced from the 7-yd-line. Next play 1 & middle at the 17-yd-line.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback in the end zone holds the ball in front of the flag as the defender tries to pull it. The defender misses the flag and then the quarterback throws a complete pass for a 14 yd gain.
RULING: The penalty for flag guarding will be enforced in the end zone, resulting in a safety.
III. 3 & goal at the 21-yd-line. A defense player intercepts the ball on the 7-yd-line and his speed carries him into his own endzone. After avoiding a flag pull by covering the flag with the ball an other offense player deflags him in the endzone.
RULING: Safety, whether the penalty for flag guarding is accepted or declined. The play itself results in a safety, because the momentum rule will only apply at an interception behind the 5-yd-line (R 8-5-1-b).
NOTE: If the defense player is able to leave the endzone before the play is stopped, the enforcement spot for the foul is the spot of foul in the endzone. Accepting the penalty will result in a safety.
IV. 3 & goal at the 21-yd-line. A defense player intercepts the ball on the 3-yd-line and advance it to the 14-yd-line. A teammate hits an offense player during the return in the endzone.
RULING: Safety, the enforcement spot for the foul (illegal contact) is the spot of foul in the endzone as the basic spot (R 10-3-1 Except 3).
AR 9-1-1-R / Right of Place, Right of Way
I. A defense player is lining up close to the scrimmage line in front or next to a receiver (man coverage).
RULING: The receiver has to avoid contact for the first steps, because the defender has the RoP. When the defender starts to move he loses the RoP and has to avoid contact with the receiver and give room for the pass route.
II. A defense player is lining up close to the scrimmage line in front of a receiver. At the snap he moves immediately inside and collides with the receiver also going towards the middle.
RULING: Illegal contact foul by the defense. As the defender moved he lost the RoP and is charged with avoiding contact. The receiver has to avoid the place where the defender stands at the snap, but not to anticipate where defender will move.
III. A defender lines up right in front of a receiver and stretches the arms sideways to block the receiver. After the snap the defender does not move and the receiver is trying to pass him but contacts the hand of the defender.
RULING: Targeting by the defender. Even with RoP the defender has not to seek contact by a not needed way of acting.
NOTE: The same ruling will apply to a snapper who is blocking a blitzer by stretching the arms sideways.
IV. A defense player is in zone coverage and looking at the quarterback. An offense player is running across the field and hits him from behind on purpose.
RULING: Targeting by the offense. Even with right of way, an offense player is not allowed to target and hit an opponent. (R 9-1-2)
V. A defense player is squeezing the runner towards the side line. The runner tries to stay inbounds by keeping his lane and contacts the defender.
RULING: Illegal contact by the runner. The runner has to avoid contact, he has no RoW.
VI. Two defense players squeeze the runner in between them. The runner tries to hit the gap between the both defenders and contacts the defender(s).
RULING: Illegal contact by the runner. The runner has to avoid contact even when this stops the play.
VII. A defender running towards the runner slips and falls right in the front of the runner. The runner has to jump over the defender to avoid contact. The defender still tries to reach the flag for a pull but miss it and the runner continues his run.
RULING: Jumping by the runner. A runner is in charge to avoid any conflict with a defender, even when he has to run around a player on the ground.
VIII. A receiver makes a catch standing with his back to the defender, who closes in to make the flag pull and stops, establishing his RoP due to his now being stationary. After the catch the receiver turns around at the spot and wants to run for extra yardage. In the act of making the turn the receiver contacts the defender. The receiver then runs away from the defender and after gaining some extra yardage the receiver is deflagged.
RULING: No penalty for illegal contact. The receiver does not lose his RoP by turning. (R 2-13-1)
NOTE: An extra movement of the receiver (or the defender) which caused contact to be initiated would result in a foul for targeting.
AR 9-1-1-B / Blitzer
I. After the snap a blitzer, who has given a clear signal, is running quickly towards the quarterback and a receiver running an in route has to alter direction to avoid him.
RULING: No penalty. A receiver has to give the blitzer the RoW. If the blitzer had not made a signal to gain RoW it would have been a defense foul for blocking.
II. After the snap a blitzer, who has given a clear signal, is running quickly towards the quarterback and a receiver running an in route blocks or contacts him.
RULING: Penalty for blocking (5 yd) or illegal contact (10 yd) against the offense. The offense players have to avoid the blitzers’ rushing lane(s).
III. After the snap a blitzer, who has given a clear signal, is running slowly towards the quarterback and a receiver running an in route is blocked or contacts him.
RULING: Penalty for blocking (5 yd) or illegal contact (10 yd + AFD) against the defense. A blitzer has the RoW only if he rushes quickly (R 2-2-6) and the offense players have the chance to calculate the blitzers’ rushing lane(s).
IV. A blitzer, who has given a clear signal, is rushing towards the quarterback and as the quarterback starts to roll out the blitzer changes his direction.
RULING: The blitzer loses RoW when he changes direction. He has to take care not to block a receiver after altering the direction of his rush.
V. A blitzer, who has given a clear signal, contacts the stationary snapper.
RULING: Penalty for targeting (10 yd + AFD) against the defense. The RoP is more worth than the RoW (R 2-13-2).
VI. A blitzer lines up straight ahead of the snapper and gives a clear signal. After the snap he is rushing straight towards the quarterback, but the snapper does not leave his spot and use his RoP. The blitzer changes his lane to avoid contact with the snapper. Immediately afterwards the snapper starts a pass route right in front of the blitzer and both collide.
RULING: Penalty for targeting (10 yd) against the offense. The blitzer loses RoW when he changes direction, but this will not give the snapper the right to provoke a collision.
NOTE: There will be no penalty if the blitzer has room to change his direction for a second time and it is just a blocking by the snapper.
VII. A blitzer, who has given a clear signal, is rushing towards the scrimmage line but stops before he crosses it.
RULING: No penalty. The blitzer does not have to cross the scrimmage line, but he loses the RoW when he stops and will have to avoid the offense players thereafter.
VIII. A receiver is crossing the lane of the blitzer, who has given a clear signal. The blitzer tries to avoid contact but still runs into the receiver.
RULING: Penalty for targeting (10 yd) against the offense.
IX. A receiver is crossing the lane of the blitzer, who has given a clear signal. The blitzer does not try to avoid contact and runs into the receiver.
RULING: Penalty for blocking (5 yd) against the offense and penalty for targeting (10 yd + AFD) against the defense, the fouls will offset.
X. A receiver is crossing the blitzers lane but not blocking him, the blitzer hits the receiver with the extended arm as he passes him.
RULING: Targeting by the blitzer. Even with the RoW there is no need for seeking contact.
XI. The blitzer stops in front of the quarterback after the ball is released and touches him with the hands at the hip.
RULING: No penalty for the touch, because contact has to have an impact.
XII. The blitzer stops in front of the quarterback after the ball is released and pushes him with the hands at the hip, the quarterback has to make 2 steps to regain balance.
RULING: Penalty for illegal contact defense.
XIII.The blitzer stops as the quarterback releases the ball, the natural throwing movement with a step forward brings the quarterback in contact with the blitzer.
RULING: No penalties for the contact, both players are standing and have the RoP in the meaning of R 2-13-1.
XIV.The blitzer jumps straight in the air as the quarterback starts to release the ball, the quarterback makes 3 steps forward after he has thrown and contacts the blitzer.
RULING: Penalty for illegal contact offense. The blitzer has the RoP even if he jumps. If the momentum of the jump would carry the blitzer into the quarterback, it would be a defense foul.
XV. The blitzer jumps forward to deflect the ball as the quarterback starts to release the ball and touches the ball before it leaves the hand of the quarterback or touches the arm of the quarterback after the ball left his hand.
RULING: Penalty for targeting, because the point of attack was a ball in possession of a runner (R 9-1-2).
AR 9-2-1 / Unsportsmanlike acts
I. The quarterback throws an interception and the defender runs back for an easy touchdown. Before he crosses the goal line, he is taunting the quarterback by words or gestures.
RULING: Touchdown, Penalty for Unsportsmanlike. The penalty will be enforced on the try, 1-point from 15-yd-line or 2-point from 22-yd-line.
AR 9-2-2 / Flag pulling
I. A runner is waving his hands near his hips as a close defender tries a flag pull. There is no contact but the defender misses the flag.
RULING: Penalty for flag guarding. There does not have to be contact in order to disadvantage the defense. A hand (or ball) waving in front of the flag makes it more difficult to reach.
II. A runner is waving his hands near his hips as a far defender tries a desperate flag pull by a jump. There is no contact and the defender misses the flag by a distance.
RULING: No penalties. There has to be a serious attempt to make the action of the runner to a foul. Jumping of a defender is legal.
III. A runner is running towards a defender and before they meet he bends his upper body forward.
RULING: Offense penalty for diving (R 2-12-2). The defender has to avoid the head and body of the runner and the runner’s actions in this instance make it more difficult for him.
IV. A runner is running towards a defender and just before they meet he stretches out the ball forward to gain extra yardage before get deflagged.
RULING: Penalty for flag guarding. The defender has to avoid contact with the ball in player possession and the runner’s actions in this instance make it more difficult for him.
V. A runner is chased by a defender and just before he gets caught he stretches out the ball forward to gain extra yardage before getting deflagged.
RULING: No penalty. As the flag pull is from behind the extension of the ball does not obstruct the defender.
VI. A runner spins to avoid a flag pull from a defender. At his spin he contacts the defender with his elbow at the shoulder.
RULING: Illegal contact by the runner. A runner is in charge to avoid any conflict with a defender, even when he has to stop the run.
VII. A blitzer pulls the flag of the quarterback just a split second after the ball has been thrown. He keeps the flag and starts to move toward the receiver in order to help his teammates to stop the play.
RULING: No penalty for illegal flag pull as the defense has the right to make a serious attempt. However, there is a penalty for an unsportsmanlike act for keeping the flag. The blitzer has to hand over the flag immediately or put it on the ground before he starts to run towards the receiver.
VIII. After the quarterback has thrown the ball, the blitzer continuous his rush and pulls the flag of the quarterback.
RULING: Penalty for illegal flag pull. This prevents the quarterback from running with the ball should he get it back later on a trick play.
IX. The defender pulls the flag right at the moment as the receiver touches the ball. The receiver muffs the ball and makes the completion at the second attempt.
RULING: No penalty for illegal flag pull. The defender may anticipate the completion that would turn the receiver to a runner and need not to wait for the catch.
NOTE: In this case the runner may not advance the ball because it is dead if a runner has fewer than 2 flags. (R 4-1-2-g)
Even when there is an illegal flag pull (before the touching of the ball), the runner may not advance the ball but
will get extra yards by penalty.
AR 10-2-4 / Offsetting fouls
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws a complete pass or interception to As 15-yd-line. Before the catch the snapper blocks the blitzer at the 10-yd-line and a defender contacts a receiver at the 20-yd-line.
RULING: Offsetting fouls, the down will be replayed.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 15-yd-line which is returned to the 6-yd-line. Before the catch the snapper blocks the blitzer at the 10-yd-line and on the return the blitzer blocks (5 yd) the snapper at the 12-yd-line.
RULING: The defense can decline offsetting fouls and keep the ball after enforcement of their penalty. Basic spot is the spot of foul, 1 & goal from the 17-yd-line.
III. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws a pass which is intercepted at As 15-yd-line and returned to the 6-yd-line. Before the catch a defender contacts a receiver at the 10-yd-line and on the return the snapper holds (illegal contact) the runner at the 12-yd-line.
RULING: Offsetting fouls, the down will be replayed.
IV. 3 & middle at the 23-yd-line. The runner commits flag guarding at Bs 17-yd-line, therefore the defender holds the runner to get to the flag. The play is finally stopped at Bs 12-yd-line. Team As coach wants to decline team Bs penalty and earn a first down after enforcing the penalty for flag guarding from the SF.
RULING: Offsetting fouls, the down will be replayed. The fouls – not the penalties – will offset, the coach will not get asked to decline a penalty.
AR 10-3-1-O / Basic Spot Enforcement Offense fouls
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and is sacked in the end zone. The snapper blocks the blitzer at the 10-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 3,5-yd-line. Declining will result in a Safety.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and is sacked at the 1-yd-line. The snapper blocks the blitzer in the end zone.
RULING: The basic spot is in the spot of foul. The penalty will be enforced in the end zone, resulting in a Safety. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 1-yd-line.
III. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and is sacked at the 1-yd-line. The snapper blocks the
blitzer at the 5-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the spot of foul. The penalty will be enforced from the 5-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 2,5-yd-line. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 1-yd-line.
IV. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass to As 15-yd-line. The snapper blocks the blitzer at the 5-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the spot of foul. The penalty will be enforced from the 5-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 2,5-yd-line. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 15-yd-line.
NOTE: The same enforcement will apply on an incomplete pass. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 7-yd-line.
V. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass to As 15-yd-line. The snapper blocks a defender at the 20-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 3,5-yd-line. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 15-yd-line.
NOTE: The same enforcement will apply on an incomplete pass. Declining will bring up 3 & middle at the 7-yd-line.
VI. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass which is advanced for a touchdown.
The snapper blocks a defender in the opponents end zone during the run and before the score is made.
RULING: The basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 3,5-yd-line.
AR 10-3-1-D / Basic Spot Enforcement Defense fouls
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and is sacked in the end zone. A defender blocks the snapper at the 10-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 12-yd-line.
NOTE: The same enforcement will apply when the quarterback throws an incomplete pass to avoid the sack.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and is sacked at the 1-yd-line. A defender blocks the snapper at the 5-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 12-yd-line.
III. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass to As 15-yd-line. A defender blocks the snapper on a screen route in As end zone.
RULING: The basic spot is the dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 15-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 20-yd-line.
IV. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass to As 15-yd-line. A defender blocks another receiver at As 20-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is the dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 15-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 20-yd-line.
V. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback drops back and completes a pass which is advanced for a touchdown.
A defender blocks the snapper at the 10-yd-line before the pass is made.
RULING: The basic spot is the dead ball spot (opponents goal line). The penalty is declined by rule (R 10-3-2-1) and the score counts.
NOTE:If instead the foul is illegal contact, the penalty will be enforced on the try.
VI. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. A blitzer grabs the pants of the quarterback behind the scrimmage line, but the quarterback still throws a complete pass at As 12-yd-line.
RULING: Penalty for illegal contact (holding), the basic spot is the dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 12-yd-line plus AFD. Next play 1 & middle at the 22-yd-line.
VII. 4 & middle at the 9-yd-line. A defense player kicks the ball to prevent a completion and the pass falls incomplete.
RULING: Penalty for illegally kicking a pass, the basic spot is the scrimmage line. The penalty will be enforced from the 9-yd-line. Next play 4 & middle at the 14-yd-line.
VIII. 4 & middle at the 9-yd-line. A defense player kicks the ball to prevent a completion and the ball is caught by the Offense and advanced to the 22-yd-line.
RULING: Penalty for illegally kicking a pass, the basic spot is dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 22-yd-line. Next play 1 & goal at Bs 23-yd-line.
AR 10-3-1-C / Basic Spot Enforcement Change of Possession
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the return ends at the 12-yd-line. After the change of possession, the snapper holds (illegal contact) the runner at the 18-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is in the dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 12-yd-line, 1 & goal at the 6-yd-line.
II. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the return ends at As 12-yd-line. After the change of possession, a teammate of the returner blocks the snapper at As 18-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is in the spot of foul. The penalty will be enforced from the 18-yd-line, 1 & goal at the 23-yd-line.
III. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the return ends at As 12-yd-line. After the change of possession, a teammate of the returner blocks the snapper at As 10-yd-line.
RULING: The basic spot is in the dead ball spot. The penalty will be enforced from the 12-yd-line, 1 & goal at the 17-yd-line.
IV. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the returner fumbles at As 12-yd-line, the snapper catches the ball and runs to As 20-yd-line. After the first change of possession, a teammate of the snapper holds the returner at As 18-yd-line.
RULING: Penalty for illegal contact (holding), the Defense will keep the ball (R 10-2-4), the basic spot is the dead ball spot (R 10-3-1 Except 3), 1 & goal at As 10-yd-line.
V. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the returner fumbles at As 12-yd-line, the snapper catches the ball and runs to As 20-yd-line. After the second change of possession, a teammate of the snapper blocks an opponent at As 18-yd-line.
RULING: Penalty for blocking, the Offense will keep the ball (R 10-2-4), the basic spot is the spot of foul (R 10-3-1 Except 3 last related run), 1 & middle at As 13-yd-line.
VI. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The quarterback throws an interception at As 21-yd-line and the returner fumbles at As 12-yd-line, the snapper catches the ball and runs to As 20-yd-line. After the first change of possession, a teammate of the returner blocks an opponent at As 18-yd-line. After the second change of possession, a teammate of the snapper hits an opponent at As 15-yd-line.
RULING: The Offense will decline offsetting penalties and regain the ball with enforcement of the illegal contact (R 10-2-4). The basic spot is the spot of foul (R 10-3-1 Except 3 last related run), 1 & middle at As 7,5-yd-line.
AR 10-3-2 / Procedures
I. 3 & goal at the 19-yd-line. 3 blitzers giving a blitzer signal.
RULING: Illegal blitzer signal. The penalty will be enforced from the 19-yd-line, 3 & goal at the 14-yd-line.
II. 2 & middle at the 15-yd-line. The runner commits a flag guarding foul at the opponents 22-yd-line.
RULING: The penalty brings back the ball behind the middle, 3 & middle at As 23-yd-line.
III. 4 & middle at the 9-yd-line. A defense player is hit by the pass at the lower leg and the pass falls incomplete.
RULING: No penalty for illegal kicking because the contact is unintentional. Turnover on downs (series ends), 1 & middle for the opponent at the 5-yd-line.
IV. 2 & goal at the 10-yd-line. The pass is completed for a touchdown. Defense was offside at the snap.
RULING: Touchdown, the penalty is declined by rule.
V. 2 & goal at the 10-yd-line. The pass is completed for a touchdown. Defense commits pass interference.
RULING: Touchdown, the penalty will be carried over to the try .
VI. Try at the 5-yd-line. The pass is completed in the end zone. Defense commits an illegal contact foul during the play.
RULING: The try is good (Touchdown), the penalty will be carried over to the next snap. 1 & middle at the 2,5-yd-line.
VII. In overtime (Extra Periods) Team A has scored a touchdown. Try at the 5-yd-line. The pass is completed for a touchdown. Defense commits an illegal contact foul during the play.
RULING: The try is good (Touchdown 1 point), the penalty will be carried over to the next snap (R 10-2-6). 1 & goal for Team B from its own 15-yd-line. In overtime no first down at the middle will be awarded, only a penalty can bring an AFD.
NOTE: Team A cannot accept the penalty and repeat the Try from the 6-yd-line for 2 points. (R 8-3-2-e)
VIII. In overtime (Extra Periods) Team A has scored a touchdown and the Try for 1 point. Team B has also scored a touchdown. Try at the 5-yd-line. The pass is completed for a touchdown. Defense commits an illegal contact foul during the play.
RULING: The try is good (Touchdown 1 point), the game is tied and a new period will be played, the penalty will be carried over to the next snap (R 10-2-6). 1 & goal for Team A from As 15-yd-line.
AR 10-3-3 / Half-Distance Enforcement
I. 2 & middle at the 7-yd-line. The offense commits a false start.
RULING: Penalty enforced from the 7-yd-line, 2 & middle at the 3,5-yd-line.
II. 3 & goal at the 9-yd-line. The defense commits an offside, the pass is incomplete.
RULING: Penalty enforced from the 9-yd-line, 3 & goal at the 4,5-yd-line.
III. 4 & goal at the 3-yd-line. The defense commits a pass interference in the end zone, the pass is incomplete.
RULING: Penalty enforced from the 3-yd-line plus AFD, 1 & goal at the 1,5-yd-line.