Penalty Enforcement Flashcards
(155 cards)
1
Q
Third-and-5 on A40. B1 encroaches, continues on, and knocks QB A1 down.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B45. Multiple dead-ball fouls for encroachment and a personal foul late hit. The
unnecessary roughness penalty will be accepted.
2
Q
TEAM A DEAD-BALL FOULS WITH/WITHOUT DELAY
Second-and-3 on B40. A1 false starts and then A2 grabs B1 by the facemask and throws him to the ground (not a
disqualifying act): (a) immediately after the false start; or (b) after a significant delay
A
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-18 on A45. Multiple dead-ball fouls for false start and unnecessary roughness. The unnecessary
roughness foul will be accepted. (14-1-3)
(b) Second-and-23 on A40. Because of the delay between fouls for false start and unnecessary roughness, both
dead-ball fouls are enforced.
3
Q
FALSE START—AFTER DELAY—DEAD-BALL FOULS BY BOTH TEAMS
First-and-10 on A25. A2 false starts, and after a significant delay, B2 and A3 slam one another to the ground (not a
part of the false start action, and not a disqualifying act).
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-15 on A20. The false start is enforced, and the subsequent dead-ball fouls are clearly
separate from the timing of the false start, and therefore offset at the succeeding spot.
4
Q
DOWN BEYOND LINE—OFFENSE FOULS—BEYOND/BEHIND DEAD BALL SPOT
First-and-10 on A20. Runner is downed on A28. During the run: (a) A2 held on the A30; or (b) A2 held on the A24.
A
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-12 on A18. Offensive foul for holding in advance of dead-ball (basic) spot.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-16 on A14. Offensive foul for holding behind the dead-ball (basic) spot.
5
Q
DOWN BEHIND LINE—DEFENSE FOULS BEYOND LINE
First-and-10 on A20. The runner is downed on the A18. During the run, B1 held on the A26
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A25. The dead ball spot is behind the line, so the defensive holding is enforced from
the previous spot. (14-3-6)
6
Q
DOWN BEHIND LINE—OFFENSE FOULS—BEYOND/BEHIND LINE
Second-and-10 on A40. Runner A1 is downed on the A36. During the run, A2 held on the: (a) A44; or (b) A36.
A
Rulings: (a) and (b) Second-and-20 on A30. Enforce both offensive holds from the previous spot.
Note: If the penalty is declined, third-and-14 on A36.
7
Q
OFFENSE FOULS OUT OF BOUNDS IN END ZONE—SAFETY
First-and-10 on A2. Runner A1 is downed on the A3 near the sideline. During A1’s run, B1 went out of bounds in the
end zone to avoid a block and was pulled to the ground by A2 out of bounds behind the goal line.
A
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A20. The offensive holding foul was out of bounds in the end zone.
8
Q
FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY—AFTER INTERCEPTION IN END ZONE
First-and-10 on B40. B1 intercepts in the end zone and runs with the ball. A2 illegally trips B2 at the B5 during the
run. B1 is downed in the end zone.
A
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. Tripping. All defensive fouls during a running play are enforced from the dead
ball spot, which is transferred to the 20-yard line as a result of the touchback.
9
Q
FOUL DURING RUN—FUMBLE—RECOVERED BY TEAM A
Third-and-10 on A30. Runner A1 fumbles at the A34. A2 recovers and is downed at the A42. While A1 was a runner:
(a) A3 held at the A28; or (b) B2 grabbed and twisted A2’s facemask at the A32.
A
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, third-and-20 on A20. Offensive holding enforced from the previous spot.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B43. Facemask enforced from the dead ball spot.
10
Q
LEGAL/ILLEGAL CONTACT WITH FACEMASK BY RUNNER
Second-and-10 on B30. A2 runs right to the B10 where A2 stiff-arms B1 in the facemask and continues into the end
zone for an apparent touchdown. (a) A2 leaves his hand on the facemask for three yards, but does not grasp it; (b)
A2 delivers a blow with the stiff arm; (c) A2 grabs the facemask and controls the defender (but does not twist, turn,
or pull) and releases it after three yards; or (d) A2 twists and turns the facemask.
A
Rulings:
(a) Touchdown Team A. Kickoff A35. No foul.
(b) A’s ball, second-and-5 on B25. Unnecessary roughness.
(c) and (d) A’s ball, second-and-5 on B25. Facemask.
11
Q
FUMBLE AND DEFENSIVE FOUL BEHIND LINE—FOLLOWED BY CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-10 on A20. Quarterback A1 fades back and fumbles on the A10 where B1 recovers. Prior to the fumble,
B2 held A3 at the A12.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A25. The defensive holding foul is enforced from the previous spot.
Note: A defensive foul during a run followed by a change of possession is penalized from the spot of the fumble. If that spot is behind the line of scrimmage, the foul is enforced from the previous spot.
12
Q
FOUL BY TEAM A—FOLLOWED BY CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-10 on A30. Runner A1 fumbles or throws a backward pass at the A34. B1 recovers and is downed on the
A33. While A1 was a runner: (a) A2 held on the A28; or (b) A3 clipped B2 on the A32.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A33. Decline penalty for offensive holding.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A18. The clipping foul before the recovery of the fumble or backward pass (change of
possession) is carried over and the penalty is enforced from the dead-ball spot.
13
Q
FOUL BY TEAM B—FOLLOWED BY CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Second-and-10 on A38. Runner A1 fumbles or throws a backward pass at the A42. B1 recovers and is downed on
the A30. While A1 was a runner: (a) B2 pushed and held A3’s head back on the A40; or (b) B3 grabbed and twisted
A2’s facemask on the A40.
A
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A47. Illegal hands to the face. Enforce from the spot of the fumble or backward pass,
since that spot is beyond the line of scrimmage.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B43. Facemask. Enforce from the spot of the fumble or backward pass, since that spot
is beyond the line of scrimmage.
14
Q
KICKOFF—TEAM A FOUL—FOLLOWED BY CHANGE OF POSSESSION
B1 receives the kickoff at the B10. B1 runs to the B25 where he fumbles and A2 recovers there. During B1’s run,
A15 blocks low at the B15.
A
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Enforce the low block from the spot of the fumble.
15
Q
INTERCEPTION - TEAM A FOUL—FOLLOWED BY CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Second-and-10 on A35. B1 intercepts a pass on the B35 and, during the return, he fumbles on the B40 where A1
recovers. (a) A2 tripped B1 on the B36 before the fumble; (b) A2 tripped B1 on the B36 before the interception; (c)
A4 and A5 chop blocked B7 before the interception.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Enforce the tripping foul from the spot of the fumble.
(b) A’s ball, second-and-20 on A25. Enforce the tripping foul from the previous spot because Team B did not retain
possession of the ball.
(c) B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Enforce the chop block foul from the spot of the interception and Team B retains
possession.
16
Q
FOUL BY TEAM A—FUMBLE AND CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Second-and-10 on B40. A2 and A3 chop block as A1 drops back to pass. A1 then scrambles and runs to the B35
where he fumbles. B1 recovers the ball at the B30 and: (a) runs to the 50 where he is downed; or (b) runs to the 50
where he fumbles, with A3 recovering the fumble at the 50.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. The chop block before the change of possession is carried over and the penalty is
enforced from the dead-ball spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B45. The chop block, before the change of possession, is enforced from the spot of B’s
recovery of the loose ball.
17
Q
FOUL BY EITHER TEAM PRIOR TO—LEGAL FORWARD PASS
Second-and-10 on A10. A1’s pass is incomplete. Prior to the pass: (a) B1 held receiver A2; (b) A3 held B2 on the
A3-yard line; or (c) A3 held B2 in A’s end zone.
A
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on A15. Defensive holding. Previous spot enforcement.
(b) Second-and-15 on A5 or third-and-10 on A10. Offensive holding. Previous spot enforcement.
(c) Safety. Safety kick A20. Offensive holding that occurs in Team A’s end zone results in a safety
18
Q
ILLEGAL CONTACT—PRIOR TO PASS OR RUN
Second-and-10 on A10. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass, and while A1 is in the pocket, B2 chucks A2 on the
A17. A1 then: (a) passes complete to A3 who is tackled on the A20; (b) passes incomplete; or (c) scrambles, runs,
and is tackled at the A11.
A
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on A20. Illegal contact. Decline the penalty.
(b) First-and-10 on A15. Illegal contact. Enforced from the previous spot.
(c) First-and-10 on A16. Illegal contact. Enforced from the end of the run.
19
Q
PERSONAL FOUL BY DEFENSE—PRIOR TO COMPLETION
Third-and-10 on A30. Prior to A1’s forward pass, B1 grabs and twists lineman A3’s facemask. A1’s pass is then
completed to A2 who is tackled at the: (a) A35; or (b) A25.
A
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on 50. The facemask is enforced from the dead-ball spot.
(b) First-and-10 on A45. The facemask is enforced from the previous spot.
20
Q
PERSONAL FOUL BY OFFENSE—PRIOR TO INTERCEPTION—TEAM B MAINTAINS/LOSES POSSESSION
Third-and-10 on A30. Prior to A1’s forward pass, lineman A2 chop blocks. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1 at the 50.
B1 returns the interception to the A35 where: (a) B1 is tackled, or (b) B1 fumbles and A3 recovers at the A30.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A20. Chop block. The chop block is tacked on from the dead ball spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. Chop block. The chop block is enforced from the spot of the interception.
21
Q
PERSONAL FOUL BEFORE OR AFTER INTERCEPTION—TOUCHBACK
Second-and-10 on B25. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1 in the end zone where B1 is tackled. (a) A3 chop blocks
before the pass; or (b) A4 tackles B1 by the facemask in the end zone.
A
Rulings: (a) and (b): B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Chop block/facemask. As the play resulted in a touchback,
personal fouls before or after the change of possession are enforced from the 20-yard line.
22
Q
PERSONAL FOUL BY TEAM A PRIOR TO CHANGE OF POSSESSION
First-and-10 on 50. A4 and A5 chop block. The pass is complete to A2 at the B30, but A2 fumbles at the B28 and
B1 recovers there and returns the fumble to the B40.
A
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. The chop block is enforced from the dead-ball spot.
23
Q
INTENTIONAL GROUNDING—EXCEPTION TO HALF THE DISTANCE ENFORCEMENT
Third-and-5 on A10. Quarterback A1 is called for intentional grounding on the A4.
A
Ruling: Fourth-and-11 on A4. Intentional grounding. If the spot of the foul is more than half the distance, the
enforcement is to put the ball at the spot of the foul.
24
Q
INTENTIONAL GROUNDING—HALF-DISTANCE ENFORCEMENT
Third-and-5 on A10. Quarterback A1 is called for intentional grounding on the A6
A
Ruling: Fourth-and-10 on A5. Intentional grounding. The penalty for intentional grounding
25
ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS BEYOND LINE—TEAM A PERSONAL FOUL
Third-and-15 on A30. Quarterback A1 scrambles to the A32 where he throws a forward pass to A2 at the B20. The
pass is underthrown, and B1 is in position to intercept the pass, when A2 grabs and twists B2’s facemask while the
pass is in the air. The pass falls incomplete.
Ruling: Fourth-and-18 at the A27 or 3-28-A17. If the illegal forward pass foul is enforced, it is a five-yard penalty
from the spot of the pass, and a loss of down. If the personal foul facemask is enforced, it is from the end of the run,
as this is deemed to be a running play. Pass interference is not an option, since the pass was thrown from beyond
the line of scrimmage.
26
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL DURING KICK
Kickoff from the A35. A1 is offside and B2 blocks low at the B25 while the kick is in the air. B2 catches the ball on
the B5 and returns it to the B30.
Ruling: Re-kick from the A35. Double foul. Offside by Team A, and illegal low block by Team B. Both fouls happened
before the change of possession, so the penalties offset and the kickoff is repeated. Post possession enforcements
do not apply on free kicks.
27
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL WITH A CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Kickoff from the A35. A1 is offside, and B1 catches the ball at the B6 and returns it to the B30. B2 blocks low at the
B10 during the return.
Ruling: Rekick A35 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. This is a double foul with a change of possession, so the offside
is declined, and Team B’s illegal low block is enforced from the spot of the foul; or B has the option to replay the
down, which is the option B would likely choose
28
KICKOFF—FOUL BY TEAM A DURING KICK/RETURN
Kickoff from the A35. A2 pins B2’s head back with an open hand at the B45 during the (a) kick; or (b) return. B1
returns the kick to the B23.
Rulings:
(a) Re-kick A25 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B33. Illegal use of hands. The foul during the kick is enforced from the
previous spot or from the dead-ball spot. The penalty for illegal blocking or use of hands by either team is loss
of 10 yards.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B28. Illegal use of hands. During the return, Team A has become the defense, so illegal
use of hands by Team A is a five-yard penalty.
29
KICKOFF—FOUL BY TEAM A DURING KICK
As an onside kick from the A35 is rolling at the A46, A1 blocks B1 on the A43. After A1’s block, B2 picks up the ball
on the A44 and runs it back to the A20.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-goal on A10. Illegal blocking or use of hands during a free kick. Team A may not block
within 10 yards of its restraining line until the ball is legally touched. The location of the ball at the time of the block
is irrelevant. Team A fouls before the change of possession on a free kick can be enforced from the dead-ball spot,
as long as Team B retains possession throughout the down.
Note: Additional plays involving penalty enforcement during free kick plays are in Rule 6 of the Casebook
30
DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM A FAILURE TO REPORT/TEAM B OFFSIDE
Fourth-and-10 on A30. Tackle A3 enters the game, goes into the huddle without reporting, and takes a wingback
position in a punt formation. After the punt, B1 muffs the ball on the B30 and A2 recovers it there. B2 was offside.
Ruling: Fourth-and-10 on A30. Illegal formation by Team A for a player wearing an ineligible number playing an
eligible position without reporting. Also, defensive offside. The penalties offset.
31
FIRST TOUCH—TEAM B FOUL—DURING KICK/RETURN
Fourth-and-6 on A40. A1 is the first to touch the punt on the B24. B1 recovers at the B18 and runs to the B30. B2
held on the B45: (a) during the punt; or (b) during the run by B1.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B9. Offensive holding. The post-possession foul is enforced from the end of the kick,
because that is behind the spot of B’s foul. The enforcement of B’s foul negates the first touch.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Offensive holding. The penalty is enforced from the dead-ball spot, since the foul
occurred during the run, and the run ended behind the spot of the foul.
32
FIRST TOUCH—TEAM B FOUL—OFFSIDE/PUSHING TEAMMATE
Fourth-and-10 on A45. A1 first touches and downs the punt on the B10: (a) B1 was offside; or (b) B2 pushed his
teammate from behind into the right guard at the snap.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10, if Team A declines the defense offside; or A’s ball, fourth-and-5 on 50.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Unnecessary roughness for pushing a teammate into the offensive formation on a
scrimmage kick or Try. This foul is enforced from the previous spot.
33
FIRST TOUCH—TEAM B FOUL—DURING PUNT/RETURN—FUMBLE
Fourth-and-15 on A10. A3 first touches the punt at the 50. B1 recovers at the B40 and fumbles at the A35, where
A2 recovers. B2 held on the A30: (a) during the punt; or (b) during the run by B1.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, fourth-and-5 on A20. Since Team B lost possession during the down, this is not a post possession foul.
The holding penalty is therefore enforced from the previous spot, and with the enforcement of a foul, the first
touch violation is eliminated. The holding foul is a 10-yard penalty (with no automatic first down) because it
occurred during a kick that went beyond the line (9-1-4(d)). Team A can also decline the penalty, thus giving
Team B the ball at the spot of first touch.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50 (spot of first touch). As this foul was during the return, it is a foul on a running play,
with enforcement from the spot of the foul, (A30), or the end of the run, (A35). If Team A accepts B’s holding
penalty, it will be enforced from the A35, resulting in B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. Team A will therefore decline
the penalty, and B will take the ball at the first touch spot, the 50.
34
FIRST TOUCH—RUN AND FUMBLE—TEAM B FOULS—BEFORE/AFTER TOUCHDOWN BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-3 on A45. A1 first touches the punt on the B10. B1 recovers on the B4 and fumbles on the B8. A2
recovers and runs into B’s end zone. During A2’s run, B2 grabbed and twisted A2’s facemask on the B6: (a) before;
or (b) after A2 crossed the goal line.
Rulings:
(a) Touchdown Team A. Team A has the option to enforce the foul on the Try or the kickoff. When A accepts the
live ball foul, the first touching violation is negated by the foul. If B’s foul was not a personal foul or
unsportsmanlike conduct foul, there would be no enforcement option for the non-major foul because the deadball spot is in the end zone, so the foul would be declined by rule and Team B would be awarded the ball at the
first touch spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. Facemask. When Team A crosses the goal line, and there hasn’t been a live-ball
foul on the play, the first touch spot is used to give B the ball. The dead-ball foul is then enforced from the
succeeding spot, the B10 (the first touch spot).
35
SCRIMMAGE KICK – FIRST TOUCH – TEAM B ADVANCES – DEAD BALL FOUL BY TEAM B
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1’s punt is rolling at the B20 where it is touched by A3, B1 picks up the punt on the B15 and
runs to the B12 where he is tackled. Immediately after the play is over, B2 shoves A4 to the ground.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 B10. First touch and unnecessary roughness. Since there was a “first touch” by Team
A, B has the option of taking the ball at that spot of first touching, with the dead ball foul enforced from that spot.
While the enforcement of a live ball foul eliminates the ability to take the ball at the first touch spot, the enforcement
of dead ball fouls, (by either team), does not eliminate that option.
36
DOUBLE FOUL—INVALID FAIR CATCH SIGNAL/KICK CATCH INTERFERENCE—CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1 punts the ball, and B1 gives an invalid fair-catch signal at the B20. B1 is in position to
catch the ball when it hits A2 in the air at the B21. B1 then picks up the ball at the B15 and runs to the B40 where
he fumbles and A2 recovers.
Ruling: A’s ball, fourth-and-10 on A40. Invalid fair catch signal and interference with the opportunity to catch a kick.
Since Team B did not retain possession, the fouls offset and the down is replayed.
37
DOUBLE FOUL WITH A CHANGE—INVALID FAIR CATCH SIGNAL/KICK CATCH INTERFERENCE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. B1 gives an invalid fair-catch signal as he waits to catch the punt at the B20. A1 bumps B1
before the punted ball arrives, but B1 catches the ball anyway at the B20.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15, or Team B has the option to replay. Invalid fair catch signal and interference
with the opportunity to catch a kick. Double foul with a change of possession.
38
TEAM B FOUL DURING KICK—TOUCHBACK
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt rolls out of bounds in the end zone. During the punt, there is a foul by B1 at the
B12. The foul is: (a) clipping by B1 at the B12; or (b) blocking by B1 at the B12 after giving a fair-catch signal at the
B14.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. Clipping. Since the foul was inside the B20, it is enforced from the spot of the foul.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. Blocking after giving a fair catch signal is a spot foul.
39
TEAM B FOUL DURING PUNT—KICK ENDS IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. During the punt, B1 commits an illegal block in the back at the B40. B2 catches the punt in the
end zone and returns it to the 50 where he is tackled.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Illegal block in the back. Since the kick ended in the end zone, the foul is
enforced from the end of the kick (B20), as that is behind the spot of the foul.
40
TEAM B FOUL IN END ZONE DURING PUNT
Fourth-and-10 on 50. During the punt, B1 clips A2 in the end zone. The punt goes out of bounds at the B6
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. Clipping. This is not a safety because Team B did not run with the ball. When a
post-possession foul occurs in the endzone, it is deemed to have occurred at the 20-yard line if Team A is responsible
for the ball entering Team B’s end zone. The penalty is enforced from the end of the kick, as that spot is behind the
spot of the foul.
41
TEAM A ILLEGALLY KICKING A BLOCKED PUNT—IN FIELD OF PLAY/END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on A10. A1’s punt is blocked, and A1 kicks the rolling ball off the ground: (a) at the A2; or (b) from
three yards deep in the end zone. The ball goes out of bounds at the A25.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-goal on A5. Illegally kicking a loose ball. Since the penalty occurred behind the line of
scrimmage, in the field of play, it is enforced from the previous spot, with a loss of down.
(b) Safety, safety kick A20, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on A25 (declining the penalty). There is no option to enforce
from the dead-ball spot unless it is a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
42
PUNT—INVALID FAIR-CATCH SIGNAL—KICKER OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-15 on B48. B1 gives an invalid fair-catch signal at the B10-yard line. The punted ball is rolling on the
ground near the sideline at the B1. Flyer A1 avoids blocker B2 at the 15-yard line by going out of bounds. A1 reestablishes and downs the ball at the B1.
Ruling: A’s ball, fourth-and-15 on B48, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. Invalid fair catch signal by B1 (clean hands)
and Team A fouls for illegal touching of a kick and player going out of bounds during a punt. This is a double foul
with a change of possession, so Team B would most likely elect to replay the down.
43
TEAM B FOUL—BLOCKED KICK
Fourth-and-15 on A35. A1’s punt is blocked behind the line of scrimmage and is recovered by B1 at the A30. During
the kick, B2 tackled flyer A2 at the line of scrimmage.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A40. The foul by B2 is enforced as a defensive hold because the kick did not cross
the line of scrimmage.
Note: Additional plays involving penalty enforcement during scrimmage kick plays are in Rule 9 of the Casebook.
44
TEAM B FOUL DURING FUMBLE—TEAM A RECOVERS THEIR OWN FUMBLE AND ADVANCES
First-and-10 on 50. A1 runs to the B40 and fumbles. During the loose ball, B1 grabs and pulls A1’s facemask in an
effort to recover the ball. A2 recovers at the B35 and runs to the B20 where he is tackled.
Ruling: First-and-goal on B10. The facemask penalty is enforced half-the-distance from the dead-ball spot.
45
TEAM A FOUL DURING FUMBLE—TEAM B RECOVERS AND ADVANCES
First-and-10 on B40. A1 runs to the B35 where he fumbles. During the loose ball, A1 grabs and twists B1’s facemask
at the B30. B2 recovers the ball at the B30 and runs to the 50 where he is tackled.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. Because the personal foul happened prior to the recovery of a fumble, (or
backward pass or interception), the facemask penalty carries over and is tacked on to the dead ball spot.
46
TEAM A FOUL BEHIND/BEYOND LINE—DURING FUMBLE BEHIND THE LINE
Second-and-5 on A40. A1 runs to the A38 where he fumbles. In the scramble during the loose ball, A2 grabs B2 and
pulls him away from the ball (A2 makes no effort to recover the ball) at the: (a) A36; or (b) A42. A1 recovers the ball
at the A45.
Rulings: In both (a) and (b), second-and-15 on A30. Enforce the offensive holding from the previous spot.
47
TEAM A FOUL BEHIND/BEYOND LINE—DURING FUMBLE BEYOND THE LINE
Second-and-5 on A40. A1 runs to the A43 where he fumbles. In the scramble during the loose ball, A2 grabs B2 and
pulls him away from the ball at the: (a) A36; (b) A42; or (c) A44. A2 makes no effort to recover the ball. A1 recovers
the ball at the A45.
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-15 on A30. Offensive holding. Enforce from the previous spot.
(b) Second-and-13 on A32. Offensive holding. Enforce from the spot of the foul.
(c) Second-and-12 on A33. Offensive holding. Enforce from the spot of the fumble.
48
TEAM B FOUL DURING FUMBLE BEYOND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
Second-and-5 on A40. A1 runs to the A43 where he fumbles. In the scramble to recover the loose ball, B2 grabs A2
and pulls him away from the ball at the: (a) A36; (b) A42; or (c) A44. B2 makes no effort to recover the ball. A1
recovers the ball at the A45.
Rulings: In (a), (b), and (c), first-and-10 on A48. The defensive holding penalty is enforced from the spot of the
fumble.
49
TEAM A FUMBLES IN ITS END ZONE—TEAM A FOULS
Third-and-10 on A5. A1 drops back into his end zone and fumbles the ball there. During the loose ball, A2 grabs and
twists B2’s facemask in the end zone. A1 then recovers the fumble: (a) at the A4; or (b) in the end zone.
Rulings:
(a) Safety. Safety kick A20. The facemask occurred in the end zone, but the dead ball spot was in the field of play.
Therefore, the foul is “used” to get the safety, so it cannot be tacked on at the spot of the safety kick. (14-2-2-b)
(b) Safety. Safety kick A10. Since the play results in a safety, the facemask is not “used” to get the safety; it can be
enforced on the ensuing free kick.
50
FUMBLE IN END ZONE—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY—TEAM A’S IMPETUS
Receiver B1 catches a free kick or punt, or intercepts a pass, in his end zone. While there and running with the ball,
B1 fumbles, and the ball rolls to the B2 where B3 intentionally kicks it out of bounds at the B4.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B1. Illegally kicking the ball. Since A’s impetus put the ball in the end zone, where
B1 intercepted and fumbled, the spot of the fumble is deemed to be the 20-yard line. Team B fouled behind that
spot, so enforcement is from the spot of the foul, the B2.
51
NOT MOMENTUM—TEAM B FUMBLE IN END ZONE—FOUL BY TEAM A
Third-and-10 on B40. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1 at the B4, and his momentum carries him into the end zone
where he scrambles to try and run it out. While he is running in the end zone, B1 fumbles, and the ball rolls out to
the B5 where it is recovered by B1 and he is downed. During the fumble, while the ball was rolling in the field of play,
A2 blocks B2 low (anywhere).
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Illegal block below the waist. Because Team B has possession at the end of
the down and there are no other fouls, the foul can be enforced from the dead-ball spot. Team B would also have
the option to enforce the foul from the spot of the fumble, which is the goal line on this play. Momentum does not
apply because the ball was not declared dead in the end zone in Team B’s possession.
52
DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM B OFFSIDE—TEAM A CLIP/HOLD
Second-and-5 on A30. Runner A1 is downed on A36. B1 was offside. Tackle A2: (a) held; or (b) clipped during the
run.
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-5 on A30. Replay. Defense offside, and holding by the offense.
(b) Second-and-20 on A15; 5 vs. 15. Defense offside and clipping by the offense. Penalize from previous spot.
53
DOUBLE DEAD BALL FOULS - AFTER READY FOR PLAY
Second-and-5 on B20. Guard A2, after getting into a three-point stance, moves his legs abruptly. The officials blow
the play dead, after which B1 grabs quarterback A1 and throws him to the ground.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-goal on B10. False start and unnecessary roughness. 5 vs. 15 enforcement applies since
both dead ball fouls occurred after the ready for play.
54
RUNNER SPIKES BALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING TACKLED – TEAM B COMMITS A PERSONAL FOUL
First-and-10-B20. Runner A2 runs to the B8 yard line for a first down and immediately jumps up and spikes the ball
toward the end zone. B3 is offended and knocks A2 down.
Ruling: A first-and-Goal B8. Since both fouls were dead ball fouls after the play, there is no 5 vs.15 enforcement
and the fouls offset at the dead ball spot.
NOTE: 5 vs.15 enforcement does apply to fouls after the ready for play and before the snap, but 5 vs.15 enforcement
does not apply if the 5-yard and 15 yard penalties occur after the play ends and before the next ready for play.
55
MULTIPLE AND DOUBLE FOULS
Third-and-3 on A28. A1 is illegally in motion at the snap. Team A has six men on the line of scrimmage. A3 runs to
the A40 where he is tackled by the facemask by B3. B4 was offside at the snap.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A43. Team A, illegal motion and illegal formation; Team B, offside and personal foul
facemask. 5 vs. 15 enforcement applies if there is at least one 15-yard penalty by one team, and one or more simple
5’s by the other team.
56
DOUBLE FOUL
Second-and-10 at A40. End A3 is legally chucked out of bounds at the A43. A3 immediately re-establishes at the
A48 and leaps in an attempt to catch the pass. The pass goes off of A3’s fingers and, while A3 is defenseless, B3
launches and hits A3 helmet-to-helmet as the pass falls incomplete.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on A40. Illegal touch of a forward pass and unnecessary roughness. Illegal touching of a
forward pass by an eligible receiver who has been out of bounds is not a five-yard penalty, (loss of down only, so
not a simple 5), so 5 vs. 15 enforcement does not apply. The penalties offset and the down is replayed.
57
DOUBLE DEAD BALL FOULS—AFTER TWO-MINUTE WARNING
Second-and-10 on B30. One minute and twenty-five seconds remain in the game, and Team B is ahead 17-14. The
clock is running, and Team A hurries to the ball, but A3 false starts. B1 comes across the line and body slams A1.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on B30. False start and unnecessary roughness. There is no 5 vs. 15 enforcement, because
the false start is not a “simple 5” due to the 10-second runoff portion of the foul. However, in this situation, since the
penalties offset, there is no 10-second runoff, and the clock starts on the snap.
58
DOUBLE DEAD BALL FOULS—AFTER TWO-MINUTE WARNING
Second-and-10 on B30. One minute and twenty-five seconds remain in the game, and Team A is ahead 17-14 with
the clock running. Team A comes to the line, and B2 encroaches by making contact with Guard A2. A2 takes
exception and body slams B2.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on B30. Encroachment and unnecessary roughness. There is no 5 vs. 15 enforcement
because the encroachment is not a “simple 5”, as this foul would require the play clock to be set to 40 seconds.
However, in this situation, since there is a double foul, the play clock is set to 25 seconds, and the clock starts on
the snap.
59
TEAM B LIVE BALL PERSONAL FOUL—TEAM A DELAY OF GAME AT END OF PLAY
Second-and-10 on A20. During A2’s run, B1 grabs center A3’s mask and pulls him to the ground. A2 runs to the (a)
50; or (b) A37. In celebration, A2 (while still on the ground, or after getting up) forcibly spikes the ball away from
players in the field of play.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on A45. Facemask and delay of game. Team A has the option to decline the foul by B1 (which would be 5 vs. 15 enforcement, here) and allow their delay-of-game penalty to be enforced from the dead ball spot.
(b) First-and-10 on A35. Facemask and delay-of-game. Team A’s better option here is to accept 5 vs.15
enforcement. (14-5-1-Item 1.)
Note: When there is a double foul, and Team A’s only foul is a dead ball spike delay-of- game at the end of the play,
Team A has the option whether to accept normal double foul enforcement, (replay the down, or 5 vs. 15 enforcement,
if appropriate), or instead decline Team B’s foul and just have their dead ball spike delay-of-game penalty enforced.
60
DOUBLE DEAD BALL FOULS—AFTER TWO-MINUTE WARNING
Third-and-5 on B45. With 15 seconds left in a tied game, A1 scrambles to the B20 where he is tackled by B1, who
continues to lie on top of A1, preventing him from getting off the ground. A2 then grabs B1’s facemask and pulls him
off the pile to allow A1 to get up.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B20. Delay of game defense and unnecessary roughness offense. Dead-ball fouls by both
teams offset at the succeeding spot. There is no 5 vs. 15 enforcement for dead-ball fouls at the end of a play. The
clock starts on the snap.
61
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM A RECOVERS KICK BEYOND 10 YARDS
On a kickoff from the A35, A1 pooches the ball directly up into the air. B1 gives an invalid fair-catch signal at the 50,
where A2 contacts him before the ball arrives. A2 recovers the ball at the B45.
Ruling: Re-kick A35. Invalid fair catch signal and interference with the opportunity to catch a kick. There was no
change of possession, but an invalid signal is a spot foul, so 5 vs. 15 enforcement does not apply
62
TEAM B LIVE BALL FOUL—TEAM A FOUL BETWEEN DOWNS
Third-and-10 on A40. At the snap, B1 is offside. Quarterback A1 throws a pass to A2 and the pass is ruled
incomplete. End A2 takes off his helmet and argues with the Back Judge.
Ruling: Third-and-20 on A30. Defense offside and dead ball unsportsmanlike conduct. Both fouls are enforced
separately as the unsportsmanlike foul against an official is treated as a foul between downs. (It also counts toward
a disqualification for two such qualifying fouls in the game.)
Note: If the official had flagged A2 for simply taking his helmet off (rather than arguing with an official), the
unsportsmanlike conduct foul would combine with the offside penalty to create a 5/15 enforcement.
63
TEAM A SIGNALS FOR TIMEOUT WHEN NOT PERMITTED—PLAY IS RUN—TEAM B PERSONAL FOUL
Second-and-12 on B40. Team A is out of timeouts, but after all 11 players get set, A1 turns and asks the Referee
for a timeout. The Referee ignores the request. A1 gets set again and takes the snap. He hands off to back A2 who
runs out of bounds at the B36 where B2 hits him late.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B21. Unnecessary roughness. There is no foul for delay of game, since the officials did not
grant A1’s request. The late hit is enforced per normal rules.
64
TEAM A SIGNALS FOR TIMEOUT WHEN NOT PERMITTED—GRANTED—TEAM B PERSONAL FOUL
Second-and-12 on B40. Team A is out of timeouts, but after all 11 players get set, A1 turns and asks the Referee
for a timeout who incorrectly grants it. Immediately following the whistle, B4 knocks center A8 to the ground.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B25. Delay of game and unnecessary roughness. When the officials grant a timeout request
from a team that is not legally permitted to take one, it is a penalty for delay of game. The unnecessary roughness
by B4 combines with the delay of game to create a 5 vs.15 enforcement. If this occurred after the two-minute warning,
with the clock running, the delay of game would not be a simple 5 because it would include a ten-second runoff. In
that case, the fouls would offset at the previous spot.
65
FOUL PRIOR TO FUMBLE—DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. During B1’s run
(before the fumble), B2 blocks A3 low at the B37. A2 recovers the fumble at the B34 and runs to the B33 where he
fumbles, and B2 recovers and is downed at the B30.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B19. Low block. Enforce the low block foul from the spot of A2’s recovery, and give
the ball back to Team A.
66
FOUL PRIOR TO FUMBLE—DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. During B1’s run: (a),
B2 blocks A3 low at the B37; or b) B3 blocks A5 in the back at the B37. A2 recovers the fumble at the B34 and runs
to the B33 where he fumbles, and A3 recovers and is downed at the B30.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. B2’s low block is carried over the change of possession and enforced from the
dead ball spot, since Team A never lost possession after recovering B1’s fumble.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. Decline illegal block above the waist. Only unnecessary roughness and
unsportsmanlike conduct fouls can be carried over the change of possession.
67
PERSONAL FOUL PRIOR TO DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. During B1’s run, A3
pulls and twists B2’s facemask at the B37. A2 recovers the fumble at the B34 and runs to the B33 where he fumbles,
and B2 recovers and is downed at the B30.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Facemask. Because this is a foul on a run before a change of possession, Team
B has the option to enforce the foul from the spot of its fumble; see 14-4-3. Because Team B has possession at the
end of the down and there are no other fouls, the foul can also be enforced from the dead-ball spot; see 14-2-4.
68
PERSONAL FOUL BY EITHER TEAM PRIOR TO DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-10 on A40. A1 runs to the B24 where he fumbles. B1 recovers at the B20, runs to the B40 and fumbles.
A2 recovers at the B40. During A1’s run, at the B22: (a) B2 pulls A2 by the mask; or (b) A3 clips B3.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B12. Facemask. This is a foul on a run before a change of possession, so the foul can
be enforced from the spot of A1’s fumble. Because Team A has possession at the end of the down and there
are no other fouls, it would also have the option to enforce the foul from the dead-ball spot; see 14-2-4.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Clipping. Enforce from the spot of B’s recovery.
69
PUNT—TEAM B PERSONAL FOUL PRIOR TO DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. Either at the snap,
or during the punt, B3 pulls A3 down by the facemask. A2 recovers the fumble at the B30.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Facemask. Because Team A has possession at the end of the down and there
are no other fouls, the foul can be enforced from the dead-ball spot; see 14-2-4.
70
PUNT—TEAM A PERSONAL FOUL PRIOR TO DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. A2 recovers the
fumble and is downed at the B30. Either at the snap, or during the punt, A3 pulls B3 down by the facemask.
Ruling: Fourth-and-25 on A25. Facemask. Previous spot enforcement.
71
KICKOFF—TEAM A FOUL BEFORE CHANGE—TEAM B FOUL AFTER CHANGE
On the opening kickoff, kicking-team player A3 lines up with his foot on the 35-yard line. Receiver B2 catches the
ball in the end zone and runs it back to the A35. On the runback, B3 blocks low on the A26.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50 or Rekick A35. This is a double foul with a change of possession, A3 offside, and
B3 illegally blocking below the waist. Team B would likely decline the offside foul and have their low block foul
enforced from the dead ball spot, since the low block occurred in advance of that spot.
72
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL—KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS—TEAM B LOW BLOCK DURING KICK
A’s kickoff from the A35 rolls out of bounds on the B10 after last touching A1. B1 had blocked A2 low at the B15
before the kickoff went out of bounds.
Ruling: Rekick A35. Kickoff out of bounds and an illegal low block. Since both fouls happened during the kick, the
fouls offset and there must be a rekick.
73
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY/END ZONE AFTER CHANGE
A1 is offside on the kickoff from the A35. B1 catches the ball in end zone and runs to B15. During the run, B2 clips:
(a) on B6; or (b) in B’s end zone.
(a) Re-kick A35, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. Offside and Clipping.
(b) Re-kick A35. This is a double foul with a change of possession, and since the enforcement of B2’s foul would
be a safety, the down is replayed.
74
KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS—DEAD-BALL FOUL BY TEAM B
Kickoff from the A35, and after the ball goes out of bounds untouched at the B20, B1 knocks down A2 from behind.
Ruling: Rekick A35, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Kickoff out of bounds and personal foul unnecessary roughness.
This is a double foul with a change of possession, so A’s foul would be declined, and enforcement of B’s foul would
be from the dead ball spot. Team B would therefore likely choose to replay the down.
75
PUNT—TEAM A FOULS DURING PUNT—TEAM B FOULS AFTER SCORING
Fourth-and-5 on A28. A1: (a) holds; or (b) clips prior to a punt. B1 catches the kick at the B30 and runs for a
touchdown. B2 clips after B1 scores.
Rulings:
(a) Touchdown Team B. Clean hands score. Team A has the option to enforce the clipping foul on the Try or the
kickoff. Team A’s offensive holding is declined. If Team A chooses to enforce the penalty on the Try, Team B has the option to choose from which Try spot the penalty will be enforced.
(b) Touchdown Team B. Kickoff B35. Clean hands score. Team A’s major foul will bridge, and the double fouls
automatically offset at the succeeding spot; there are no enforcement options for either team.
76
PUNT—BOTH TEAMS FOUL PRIOR TO THE KICK—KICK IS BLOCKED
Fourth-and-10 on 50. At the snap, A5 grabs and twists B5’s facemask. B1 was offside and gets through to block the
punt. The ball is recovered at the A45 by: (a) A2; or (b) B2.
Rulings:
(a) Fourth-and-10 on 50. Facemask and defense offside. Team A’s failure to make a first down on the fourth down play, is a “change of possession” that eliminates 5 vs. 15 enforcement.
(b) Fourth-and-10 on 50. Facemask and defense offside. Double foul, and B’s foul is not a post-possession foul.
There is no 5 vs. 15 enforcement because of the change of possession when Team B recovered the punt.
77
TEAM A FOUL—CHANGE OF POSSESSION—TEAM B LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL FOUL
Second-and-10 on A35. A1 is offside. B1 intercepts the pass and runs to the A20. B2 clipped on A30: (a) during the
runback; or (b) after B1 was downed (dead-ball foul).
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. Offense offside and clipping. (14-5-2)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. Offense offside and unnecessary roughness.
78
TEAM A FOUL—CHANGE OF POSSESSION—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY/END ZONE
Third-and-10 on B40. A1 is offside. B1 intercepts pass on B4 and runs to B30. During the run, B2 held: (a) on B10;
or (b) in B’s end zone.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. Offense offside before the interception, and offensive holding after the change of
possession. There is no option to replay the down on a non-kicking play.
(b) Third-and-10 on B40. Replay. If enforcement of Team B’s foul on a double foul with a change of possession
results in a Safety, the down is replayed.
79
FIELD GOAL—TEAM A FOUL AT SNAP—TEAM B FOUL DURING KICK—CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-3 on B28. Team A attempts a field goal from the B36 that is short. B1 picks up the ball at the B6 and
returns it to the B40. While the ball was rolling, B2 clipped at the B8. At the snap, A2 was in an illegal formation.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3, or A’s ball, fourth-and-3 on B28. B2’s foul is a post-possession foul with clean hands. Since this is a kick play, Team B has the option to enforce its foul or replay the down. There is no option for 5 vs. 15 enforcement due to the change of possession.
80
DOUBLE FOUL AFTER A CHANGE - FUMBLE
First-and-10 on B45. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1, and during the interception return, A2 grabs and twists B1’s
facemask at the B25, which causes B1 to fumble the ball at the B30. During the fumble, B2 blocks low at the B35.
B1 then recovers the ball at the B40.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. This is a double foul after a change of possession, (the interception), so the
fouls offset at the spot where Team B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul. Since B2’s low block occurred
during a loose ball, these fouls offset at the spot of the fumble, as that is behind the spot of the foul. Had Team A
recovered the fumble, this would be a double foul with a double change of possession, and the down would be
replayed, because Team A did not get the ball with clean hands.
81
PUNT—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-7 on A22. A2 punts the ball to B1 who catches the punt at the B35. B1 is tackled by the facemask at the
50. During the return, B5 clips at the: (a) B40 or (b) A45.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. The fouls offset at the spot where Team B’s foul would be enforced if it was the
only foul, which is the spot of Team B’s foul here, because that is less advantageous to Team B than the dead ball spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and 10 on the 50. The fouls offset at the spot where Team B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul, which is the dead ball spot here, because that is less advantageous to Team B than the spot of B5’s
foul.
Note: When Team B’s foul is not a post possession foul, the end of the kick is irrelevant for enforcement purposes
on a double foul after a change of possession.
82
PUNT—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on 50. During A1’s punt, B1 commits an illegal block in the back at the B20. B2 catches the punt at
the B10 and returns it to the B40, where A1 tackles B2 by the facemask.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 at B10. The double/after enforcement spot is the spot where Team B’s foul would be
enforced if it was the only foul. Since B’s foul is a post possession foul, the enforcement spot is either the end of the
kick or the spot of B’s foul. The illegal block above the waist and the facemask therefore offset at the end of the kick,
as that is the least advantageous spot for Team B.
83
PUNT—KICK ENDS IN END ZONE—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-6 on B38. During A1’s punt, B2 blocks A2 low at the B18. The ball lands at the B8, B3 muffs the ball at
the B6, and it rolls into the end zone. B2 recovers the ball and runs to the B31 where A8 tackles him by the facemask.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B18. Since B’s foul on this double/after play is a post possession foul, B’s low block
and A’s facemask offset at the end of the kick, or the spot of B’s foul, whichever is least advantageous to Team B.
Since the end of the kick is the end zone and would result in a touchback, the end of the kick is deemed to be the
B20. The spot of B’s foul at the B18 is therefore used as the enforcement spot.
84
INVALID FAIR-CATCH SIGNAL—LEGAL/LATE HIT ON SIGNALLER
Fourth-and-8 on A40. B1 gives an invalid fair-catch signal at the B15 and catches the ball at the B17: (a) A3 tackles
B1 at the B17; or (b) A3 strikes B1 in the head after he makes the catch at B17.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Invalid fair catch signal enforced at the spot of the foul. No foul by A3.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Double foul after a change of possession. The invalid fair catch signal and
unnecessary roughness offset at the B15, because Team B’s foul is a spot foul, so that would be the
enforcement spot for B1’s foul, if that was the only foul on the play.
85
PUNT—LIVE-BALL AND DEAD-BALL FOULS—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-14 on A31. A1’s punt is fielded by B3 at the B15 and returned to the B23. During the punt, B4 holds A5
at the B20. Immediately after the ball is dead at the B23, a scuffle ensues, and A7 hits B7 in the facemask.
Unnecessary roughness is called.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. The live ball offensive holding by B4 is a post-possession foul, so it is treated
as happening after the change of possession. It combines with the dead ball unnecessary roughness foul by A7,
creating a double foul after a change of possession. The penalties therefore offset at the spot where B4’s foul would
be enforced if it was the only foul - the spot of B’s foul or the end of the kick, whichever is least advantageous to
Team B.
86
PUNT—TEAM B SCORES—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on A7. The punt is partially blocked, and B1 recovers on the A22 and runs for a touchdown. Prior to
the score, B2 holds in A’s end zone. After the score, A3 grabs B1’s facemask and throws him to the ground.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A1. The live ball offensive holding by B2, combines with the dead ball unnecessary
roughness foul by A3, and the penalties offset at the A1. Since the spot of B’s foul and the dead ball spot are both
in A’s end zone, the enforcement of B2’s foul would be from the goal line, if that was the only foul; the ball is therefore
spotted on the 1-yard line.
87
INTERCEPTION—MOMENTUM—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Second-and-6 on B14. B1 intercepts the pass on the B2, and momentum carries him into the end zone where he
attempts to advance. A1 trips B1 which causes B1 to go to the ground in the end zone. B2 grabs and twists A1’s
facemask after B1 is down.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2. The tripping and unnecessary roughness offset at the spot where B2’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul. Here, that would be the spot of B’s foul or the dead ball spot, whichever is least advantageous to Team B. Due to the momentum play, the dead-ball spot is the B2, and since B’s foul was a dead ball foul, its enforcement spot would be the dead-ball spot, the B2.
88
INTERCEPTION—END ZONE—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-5 on B22. B1 intercepts a pass in B’s end zone and attempts to run the ball out, but during the run, B2
holds in the end zone where B1 is downed. A3 piles on B1 after the tackle.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B1. The offensive holding and dead ball unnecessary roughness offset at the spot
where Team B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul. Here, since the result of the play is a touchback, the
dead ball spot is deemed to be the B20. However, B’s foul is behind that spot, and since B fouls in the end zone and
runs with the ball, the enforcement of B’s live ball foul in the end zone would be a safety. The fouls therefore offset
at the B1.
89
INTERCEPTION—END ZONE—DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Second-and-10 on B30. B1 intercepts the ball in the end zone, runs, and is tackled in the end zone. During the run,
B2 clips at the B7, and A2 tackles B1 by the facemask.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B7. Since the result of the play was a touchback, the dead ball spot is deemed to
be the B20, (or B25 if on a free kick). The spot of B’s foul was behind that spot, so the fouls offset at the spot of B’s
foul.
90
INTERCEPTION—END ZONE—DOUBLE FOUL WITH/AFTER CHANGE
Third-and-Five on B15. B1 intercepts A1's pass in the end zone, tries to run it out, but is tackled in the end zone.
During B1's run: (a) B2 pulled A7 down by the facemask at the B3, and A8 grabbed and twisted B1’s facemask in
the end zone. Back A4 was illegally in motion at the snap; (b) B6 blocked A6 low at the B4. Team A had six players
on the line of scrimmage at the snap; (c) B5 clipped A5 at the B4, and B5 was upset with the call, so he threw the
Field Judge’s flag into the air.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. The double foul after the change takes precedence over the double foul with a
change. The facemask fouls by both teams offset at the spot where B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only
foul. Since the result of the play is a touchback, the dead ball spot is deemed to be the B20, so the fouls offset
at the spot of B’s foul, as that is behind the dead ball spot. The foul for illegal motion is declined by rule.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2. Illegal formation by Team A, followed by a low block by B6 after the interception,
results in a double foul with a change. Since B’s foul occurred inside the B20, it is enforced from the spot of the
foul. There is no option to replay the down, because this is not a kick play.
(c) B’s ball, first-and-11 on B1. Both the clipping and unsportsmanlike conduct are enforced, since a foul against
an official is considered a foul between downs. The clip is enforced from the B4 to the B2, the chains are set,
and then the unsportsmanlike conduct foul is enforced from the B2 to the B1. (Throwing the flag in the air is not
a disqualifying foul.)
91
DOUBLE FOUL WITH / AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION—TEAM B’S IMPETUS
Fourth-and-10 on A43. The punt is rolling on the ground at the B4 when B1 bats the loose ball backward into his end
zone, thinking he can create a touchback. (a) In the scramble for the ball in the end zone, A7 and B2 grab and twist
each other’s facemasks, after which B3 downs the ball in the end zone; (b) B2 picks up the ball and is running with
it in the end zone, when A7 and B2 grab and twist each other’s facemasks. B2 is then tackled in the end zone; or (c)
in the scramble for the ball in the end zone, B2 grabs and twists A7’s facemask, after which B2 recovers and downs
the ball in the end zone. A3 then piles on.
Rulings:
(a) Fourth-and-10 on A43. Replay the down. This is a double foul with a change of possession, because A7’s foul
is before the change, and B2’s foul is post possession, thus treated as after the change. Since Team B’s impetus
put the ball in the end zone, and B then fouled there, the enforcement of B2’s foul would create a safety;
therefore, by rule, the down is replayed.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B1. This is a double foul after a change of possession. Team B’s impetus, (bat), put the
ball in the end zone, after which both teams fouled in the end zone. Team B’s foul would be enforced from the
end zone resulting in a safety, if it was the only foul. The fouls therefore offset at the B1.
(c) Safety, safety kick B20. This is a clean hands score. The bat is legal, but it creates new impetus, resulting in a
safety when B downs the ball in its end zone. Team A has clean hands at the time of the score, so the score
counts, and A7’s personal foul is enforced on the safety kick. B2’s personal foul on the scoring play also bridges
to the safety kick, where both fouls offset.
92
DOUBLE AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION—TEAM B’S IMPETUS
Third-and-2 on B8. A1 runs to the B5 and fumbles. B1 bats the loose ball backward into his end zone. B2 picks up
the ball there and runs to the B17 where he is tackled by the facemask. During B2’s run, B3 blocks low at the B10.
Ruling: B’s ball, First-and-10 on B10. This is a double foul after a change of possession. The low block and facemask
fouls offset at the spot of B’s foul, as that is behind the dead ball spot. The bat by B1 is legal.
93
INTERCEPTION—DOUBLE WITH/DOUBLE AFTER FOULS
First-and-10 on 50. Illegal motion by A1, and the pass is intercepted by B1 at the B20. On the return, B2 commits an
illegal block in the back at the B30, and A2 tackles B1 by the facemask at the B40.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. Illegal motion prior to the interception, followed by an illegal block in the back
and a personal foul facemask. The double foul after a change takes precedence over the double foul with a change,
and the fouls offset at the spot of B’s foul, as that is behind the dead ball spot and would be the enforcement spot if
the only foul was B’s foul. A’s illegal motion foul is declined by rule.
94
KICKOFF—DOUBLE WITH / DOUBLE AFTER—OPTION TO REPLAY
Team A is offside on the kickoff from the A35. Team B catches the ball at the B15, and during the return, B2 clips at
the B45 and is tackled at the B37. A1 piles on.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B37, or Team B has the option to replay the down. The double foul after a change
takes precedence over the double foul with a change, so the fouls offset at the spot where Team B’s foul would be
enforced if it was the only foul. On this play, that is the dead ball spot, which is behind the spot of B’s foul. Since this
is a kicking play, and there is also a double foul with a change, Team B also has the option to require a rekick from
the A35.
95
KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS—DEAD-BALL FOULS BY BOTH TEAMS
Kickoff from the A35 goes out of bounds at the B24, after which A1 and B2 commit dead-ball fouls.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B24, or Team B has the option to replay the down. This is a double foul with a
change and a double foul after a change. The double after takes precedence and is enforced from the spot where
B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul. Here, that is the dead-ball spot, which is also the spot of the foul.
Since there is also a foul by Team A before the change of possession creating a double foul with a change on a
kicking play, Team B also has the option to require a rekick from the A35. There is not an option to offset the dead
ball fouls at the B40.
96
DOUBLE FOUL WITH/AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION—END ZONE INVOLVEMENT
Third-and-Five on B15. B1 intercepts A1's pass in the end zone, tries to run it out, but is tackled in the end zone. A4
was illegally in motion at the snap. During B1's run, (a) B6 blocked A6 low at the B4; or (b) B2 pulled A7 down by
the facemask at the B3, and A8 grabbed and twisted B1’s facemask in the end zone.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2. Double foul with a change. By rule, the illegal formation prior to the change is
declined, and B’s low block is enforced from the spot of the foul, since it occurred inside the B20 (which is
deemed to be the dead ball spot).
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. The double foul after a change takes precedence over the double foul with a change,
so A’s illegal motion penalty is declined by rule. Since the result of the play is a touchback, the dead ball spot is
deemed to be the B20. The facemask penalties offset at the spot where B’s foul would be enforced if it was the
only foul. Here, that is the spot of B’s foul, since that spot is behind the dead ball spot.
97
KICKOFF—DOUBLE FOUL—DOUBLE CHANGE
On a kickoff from the A35, A1 illegally touches the ball on the A43. B1 picks up the ball at A44, runs to the A25,
fumbles, and A2 recovers the ball there. During B1’s run, B2 clipped at the A35.
Ruling: Rekick A35. Illegal touch of a kick and clipping. This is a double foul with a double change of possession,
and the last team in possession was not clean prior to recovering the ball. Therefore, the down must be replayed.
98
DOUBLE FOUL—DOUBLE CHANGE
First-and-10 on 50. Illegal motion by A1 and offside by B1. B2 intercepts, and during the return, B5 clips. B2 then
fumbles the ball back to A2.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Illegal motion and defense offside prior to the interception, and clipping by B5
during the return. The double foul before the change of possession requires a replay, because the team last in
possession did not get it with clean hands.
99
DOUBLE FOUL—DOUBLE CHANGE
First-and-10 on 50. Illegal motion by A1, and B1 then intercepts the pass. On B’s runback, B2 clips. B1 then fumbles
and A2 recovers.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Replay. Illegal motion by Team A followed by clipping by Team B. If there are
fouls by both teams and multiple changes of possession during a down, if the team last in possession did not get the
ball prior to fouling, the down is replayed.
100
DOUBLE FOUL/DOUBLE CHANGE—DEAD-BALL FOUL BY TEAM LAST IN POSSESSION
Third-and-10 on B40. B1 intercepts a pass on the B10 and runs to the B20 where he fumbles. During the run, B2 holds on the B15. A1 recovers the fumble at the B22 and goes out of bounds at the B12 after which A2 roughs B2.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B27. The last team in possession, (Team A), was foul-free when they got the ball, so they will keep the ball after enforcement. Team B’s foul was before the last change, and Team A’s foul was after the last change, so the double foul with a change of possession will be enforced – A’s dead ball unnecessary
roughness penalty is enforced from the dead ball spot.
101
DOUBLE FOUL/DOUBLE CHANGE—PLAYER DISQUALIFIED
Second-and-10 on B40. B1 intercepts the pass on the B10 and runs to the B20. During B1’s run, B2 punches A1 at
the 50, and A2 tackles B2 by the mask, causing B2 to fumble and A1 recovers at the B25.
Ruling: A’s ball, second-and-10 on B40. Since the last team in possession (Team A), was not foul-free when it
recovered the ball, the unnecessary roughness and facemask offset and the down is replayed. Disqualify B2.
102
DOUBLE FOUL/DOUBLE CHANGE
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts on the B20. B1 fumbles, and A1 recovers and runs with the ball. A2 holds during
the run. A1 fumbles, and B2 recovers and is tackled at the A40. During B2’s run, B3 blocks low at the 50.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Team B got possession with clean hands, so it retains possession after
enforcement of the double foul with a change of possession. Team A’s offensive hold is declined by rule, and Team
B’s block below the waist penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul.
103
TEAM A’S IMPETUS AND TEAM A’S FOUL
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts a pass in his own end zone where he is tackled. During B1’s run in the end zone,
(a) A2 blocks B2 below the waist; or (b) A2 trips B2, in the field of play or in the end zone.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. When the result of the play is a touchback, the enforcement spot for all fouls by
Team A, (personal fouls or otherwise), is the 20-yard line or the 25 for a free kick.
104
TEAM B’S IMPETUS—TEAM A FOUL
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts on the B8, scrambles, and carries the ball into his own end zone where he is
tackled (not momentum exception). During the run, A2 blocks low anywhere.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Since the result of the play would be a safety, because Team B’s impetus put
the ball in their own end zone, A2’s foul is enforced from the goal line. (14-4-4)
105
INTERCEPTION—TEAM B RUNS AND FOULS IN END ZONE
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts in the end zone and runs with the ball. B2 clips in the end zone during the run. B1
is downed in the end zone or field of play.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick B20. Since Team A’s impetus put the ball in the end zone, the result of the play is not a
safety. The foul that occurred in the end zone during B1’s run is used to create the safety, so no yardage is enforced
on the safety kick.
106
INTERCEPTION—TEAM B RUNS AND FOULS IN FIELD OF PLAY
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts in the end zone and runs with the ball. B2 clips in the field of play at the B16 during
the run. B1 is downed in the end zone.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The clipping foul is enforced from the spot of the foul, since that spot is behind
the B20 (touchback spot).
107
INTERCEPTION—NO ATTEMPT TO ADVANCE—DEAD BALL FOUL
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts at the B16 and is downed immediately with no return. B2 clips in the end zone or
field of play after B1 was downed.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The dead-ball unnecessary roughness is enforced from the succeeding spot.
108
INTERCEPTION IN END ZONE AND ADVANCE—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts in the end zone and runs with the ball. B2 clips in the field of play at the B16 during
the run. B1 is downed in the field of play at the B25.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The clipping foul is enforced from the spot of the foul, since that spot is behind
the dead ball spot.
109
PUNT ENDS IN END ZONE—TEAM B FOULS DURING PUNT—TACKLED IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. B1 catches the punt in the end zone, runs with the ball, but is tackled in the end zone. B2 clips
at the B16 while the punt is in the air.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The end of the kick is the B20 (touchback), so enforcement is from the spot of
the foul (B16).
110
ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION BY TEAM B DURING SCRIMMAGE KICK
Fourth-and-5 on A45. B1 touches A1’s punt at the B5. The ball then rolls into the end zone where B1 picks it up and
runs, although he is tackled in the end zone. Team B substitutes thought the play was over when the ball rolled into
the end zone. Team B players started onto the field at the B35 before B1 was tackled in the end zone.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Since the punt ended in the end zone, and Team A’s impetus put the ball there,
B’s illegal substitution at the B35 is enforced from the B20.
111
PUNT OUT OF BOUNDS—TEAM B FOUL IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1’s punt rolls out of bounds at the B16, and B2 clips in the end zone during the punt.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The clipping foul is enforced from the end of the kick. The foul in the end zone
is treated as though it occurred at the B20.
112
PUNT OUT OF BOUNDS—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY
Fourth-and-10 on 50. B2 clips at the B10 while the punt is in the air. The ball rolls out of bounds at the B16.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. The clipping foul is enforced from the spot of the foul, since it was behind the
end of the kick.
113
PUNT—FIRST TOUCH—TEAM B FOUL IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-5 on A40. A1 first touches the punt on B10. B1 picks up ball at the B7 and runs to B20. B2 held A2 in
Team B end zone during the run by B1.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick B20. Since the holding penalty occurred in the end zone, and B ran with the ball, the
enforcement results in a safety. The enforcement of the penalty eliminates the first touch.
114
MISSED FIELD GOAL—TEAM B FOUL DURING KICK
Fourth-and-8 on B22. A field goal attempt from the B30 is blocked at the B28, and the ball bounces to the B12 where
it rolls out of bounds. Before the ball went out of bounds, B3 clipped A2 at the B15.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. The clipping foul is clearly not committed in an attempt to block the kick, so it is
a post-possession foul enforced from the end of the kick.
115
MISSED FIELD GOAL—TEAM B FOUL DURING KICK
Fourth-and-8 on B22. A field goal attempt from the B30 is blocked at the B28, and the ball rolls out of bounds in B’s
end zone. Before the ball went out of bounds, B3 clipped A2 at the B16.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The clipping foul is a post possession foul enforced from the spot of the foul. On
a field-goal attempt, if Team B touches the kick anywhere beyond the line of scrimmage, if a Team B foul on the play
is accepted, or if the kick is recovered by either team behind the line of scrimmage, Team B loses the option to go
back to the spot of the kick (or the 20-yard line).
116
TOUCHDOWN—DEAD-BALL FOUL
First-and-10 on 50. Runner A1 crosses B’s goal line after which: (a) A2 commits a personal foul; or (b) B1 commits
a personal foul.
Rulings:
(a) Touchdown Team A. Team B has the option to enforce the personal foul on the Try or the kickoff.
(b) Touchdown Team A. Team A has the option to enforce the personal foul on the Try or the kickoff.
117
INTERCEPTION—TEAM B FOUL BEFORE AND AFTER TOUCHDOWN
First-and-10 on 50. B1 intercepts a pass at the B20 and runs for a touchdown. B2 clipped in A’s end zone: (a) before;
or (b) after B1 crossed the goal line.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A15. The clipping foul is enforced from the goal line.
(b) Touchdown B. Team A has the option to enforce the clipping penalty on the Try or the kickoff.
118
TEAM A FOULS AFTER TOUCHDOWN—TEAM B FOUL ON TRY
Second-and-7 on B13. A1 scores and A2 commits a personal foul after the touchdown. Team B elects to enforce
the 15-yard penalty on the kickoff. On the successful Try kick, B is offside.
Ruling: One-point Try is good, KO A25, or re-Try B1, kickoff A20. Once Team B elects to enforce A2’s personal foul
on the kickoff, they cannot change that decision.
119
TOUCHDOWN—MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A
Second-and-goal on B7. A1 throws a pass to A2 in the end zone for a touchdown. A2 then spikes the ball in the face
of B2 lying on the ground. A3 was illegally downfield prior to the pass.
Ruling: Second-and-goal on B12. Enforce the ineligible downfield foul from the previous spot. The taunting must be
declined, or the score would count. This taunting foul still counts toward a potential disqualification, even though it
has been declined.
120
TOUCHDOWN ON LAST PLAY OF GAME
Second-and-4 on B30. With 6 seconds left in the game, Team A trails 24-15. A1’s pass is caught by A4 for a
touchdown, and the game clock expires on the play.
Ruling: Game over Team B wins 24-21. There is no Try attempt.`
121
PERSONAL FOUL BY TEAM A IN ITS END ZONE—RUN ENDS IN FIELD OF PLAY
Third-and-8 on A4. A4 chop blocks in the end zone. A1 is then tackled on the A2.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A20. The chop block in the end zone results in a safety. The penalty could also be
declined resulting in fourth-and-10 on A2.
122
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A IN ITS END ZONE—RUN ENDS IN END ZONE/FIELD OF PLAY
Third-and-8 on A4. A2 chop blocks and A3 holds. Both fouls occurred in A’s end zone. A1 is tackled: (a) at the A5;
or (b) in the end zone.
Rulings:
(a) Safety. Safety kick A20. Multiple fouls, so only one can be enforced, either of which results in a safety.
(b) Safety. Safety kick A10. Since the result of the play is a safety, the chop block foul would carry over to the safety
kick.
123
TOUCHDOWN—MULTIPLE LIVE/DEAD BALL FOULS BY TEAM B
First-and-10 on B20. B1 grabs and twists runner A1’s facemask, but A1 continues and scores a touchdown.
Immediately after A1 crosses the goal line, B2 grabs A1’s facemask and pulls him to the ground.
Ruling: Touchdown. Multiple fouls, only one of which is enforced. Team A has the option to enforce the penalty on
the Try or the kickoff.
124
TEAM B TOUCHDOWN—LIVE BALL AND FOUL BETWEEN DOWNS BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1 punts the ball, and A2 commits interference with the opportunity at the B20. B1 picks up
the ball and runs for a touchdown. Well after B1 has crossed the goal line, as B1 is running toward his bench, A1
grabs and pulls B1 by the facemask.
Ruling: Touchdown Team B. The KCI can be enforced on the Try or on the kickoff because of the score by Team
B. The unnecessary roughness foul is a foul between downs, so that can also be enforced on the Try or on the
kickoff. Team B has the option to enforce both fouls on the Try, both fouls on the kickoff, or enforce one foul on the
Try and one foul on the kickoff. Disqualify A1 if appropriate.
125
RUN—DEAD BALL FOUL BY EITHER TEAM
Second-and-10 on A30. A1 runs out of bounds at the A35 after which: (a) A2 clips on A30; or (b) B1 clips on A40.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, third-and-20 on A20.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. Penalize dead-ball fouls from the succeeding spot A35.
126
FOURTH DOWN—DOUBLE/MULTIPLE FOULS—DEAD BALL
Fourth-and-1 on B30. Quarterback A1 is piled on by B2 after running out of bounds at the B30, after which: (a) A2
roughs B1; or (b) B1 roughs A2.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. The dead-ball fouls offset at the succeeding spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Multiple dead-ball fouls (14-1-3). Only one is assessed, and the down counts,
giving the ball to Team B on downs.
127
FOURTH-DOWN INCOMPLETE PASS—DEAD BALL FOUL BY EITHER TEAM
Fourth-and-8 on B12. After an incomplete forward pass: (a) B1 roughs A1; or (b) A1 roughs B1.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. Unnecessary roughness against Team B is enforced from the succeeding spot, and
it is first-and-10 for Team B.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B27. Unnecessary roughness against Team A is enforced from the succeeding spot,
and it is first-and-10 for Team B.
Note: If these fouls occurred during the forward pass: (a) Team A would accept the penalty. A’s ball, first-and-goal
on B6; (b) Team B would accept the penalty. B’s ball, first-and-10 on B27.
128
INCOMPLETE PASS—LIVE/DEAD BALL FOULS BY TEAM A
Second-and-10 on A30. A1 grabs B1 by the facemask and throws him to the ground: (a) prior to; or (b) after an
incomplete forward pass.
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-25 on A15 or third-and-10 on A30. If accepted, the facemask is enforced from the previous spot.
(b) Third-and-25 on A15. Dead ball unnecessary roughness enforced from the succeeding spot, and the down
counts.
129
FAIR-CATCH INTERFERENCE—DEAD-BALL FOUL
Fourth-and-10 on A10. B1 signals for a fair catch on the A45. A1 interferes at the A45 as the ball hits A1 in flight and
goes out of bounds on the A43, after which: (a) A2 roughs B2; or (b) B2 roughs A2.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A28. Multiple fouls for fair-catch interference and unnecessary roughness. Regardless
of which foul Team B accepts, it will be enforced from the dead-ball spot. If the dead-ball spot was behind the
spot of the foul, enforcement would be from the spot of the foul because that is more advantageous to Team B.
If Team B accepts the foul for FCI, then it also has the option of a fair-catch kick after enforcement.
(b) Fourth-and-10 on A10, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B42. This is a double foul with a change of possession on a
kick play, so Team B has the option of replaying the down or having its dead ball foul for unnecessary roughness
enforced from the dead-ball spot.
130
LIVE AND DEAD-BALL FOULS—BOTH TEAMS
Third-and-6 on B20. A1 runs out of bounds at the B14. A2 and B1 punch each other: (a) before; or (b) after A1 goes
out of bounds.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, third-and-6 on B20. Replay. Disqualify A2 and B1.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B14. Disqualify A2 and B1.
131
DEAD BALL FOUL AFTER FIRST DOWN – NO CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-5 on A35. A1 runs to the 50 where he is tackled, after which, (a) A2 picks a defender off the pile, or (b)
well after the play has ended, as the players are returning to their huddles, (between downs), A2 pushes B1 to the
ground.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. f the dead ball foul occurs in the continuing action of the play, it is first-and-10 after
enforcement.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-25 on A35. If the dead ball foul occurs between downs or is a foul against an official, it is
enforced after the chains are set, so it is first-and-25 after enforcement.
132
FAILURE TO MAKE LINE TO GAIN ON FOURTH DOWN—TEAM B DEAD BALL FOUL
Fourth-and-10 on 50. Quarterback A1 scrambles and is run out of bounds by B1 at the A40, after which B1
immediately taunts A1.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B45. The dead-ball foul is enforced from the succeeding spot. The unsportsmanlike
conduct foul counts toward a potential disqualification for two such fouls.
133
TEAM A FOULS IN ITS END ZONE AND THEN COMMITS DEAD-BALL FOUL
Third-and-10 on A4. A2 held in his end zone prior to an incomplete pass. A3 roughed B1 after the incompletion.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A20 or A’s ball fourth-and-12 on A2. Multiple fouls by A, and only one can be enforced.
134
SAFETY—DEAD-BALL FOUL BY TEAM B
Fourth-and-10 on A10. A1 is sacked in his own end zone, after which B1 piles on.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A35.
135
SAFETY—LIVE-BALL FOUL BY TEAM A AND DEAD-BALL FOUL BY TEAM B
Third-and-10 on A10. A2 is illegally in motion at the snap, and A1 is sacked in his own end zone. After the ball is
dead, B1 piles on.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick on A35. Team B scored with clean hands, so the Team A foul is declined, and the Team
B foul is enforced on the safety kick.
136
SAFETY—DEAD-BALL FOUL BY TEAM B
Fourth-and-15 on A2. Punter A1 jumps to catch the high snap and comes down on the end line. He punts and is
then roughed by B1.
Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A35. This is a dead ball foul for unnecessary roughness (late hit), not roughing the kicker,
as the ball is dead when A1 touches the end line.
137
FOURTH DOWN—FUMBLE FORWARD OUT OF BOUNDS—TEAM B DEAD-BALL FOUL
Fourth-and-1 on B30. A1 runs to the B30 and fumbles the ball forward out of bounds at the B28. B1 commits a
personal foul immediately after the ball goes out of bounds.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. The personal foul is after the ball is out of bounds, so Team B takes over at
the dead ball spot (spot of the fumble), and the dead-ball foul is enforced from there.
138
TWO-POINT TRY—TEAM B DEAD BALL FOUL
On a two-point Try, A1 runs with the ball to the B1 and fumbles there. The ball rolls into the end zone where A2
recovers, and B2 piles on.
Ruling: Try fails. Kickoff 50. Two-minute fumble rules are in effect on a Try, so the unnecessary roughness is after
the Try ends and is enforced on the kickoff.
139
SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL—TEAM B LIVE BALL FOUL—TEAM A DEAD BALL FOUL
Fourth-and-goal on B5. On a field-goal attempt from the B13, B1 is called for (a) leaping; or (b) holding immediately
after the snap. The field goal is good. After the score, A2 then punches B1.
Rulings:
(a) Field goal is good. Kickoff A35. This is a clean hands score, so both the leaping and unnecessary roughness
fouls carry over and offset on the kickoff. There is no option for Team A. Disqualify A2.
(b) Field goal is good. KO A20. “Clean hands score.” Only the dead-ball unnecessary roughness carries over to the
kickoff. Disqualify A2.
140
TEAM B DEAD-BALL FOUL BEHIND THE LINE
Third-and-10 on A35. A1 scrambles behind the line and is finally tackled at the A10. B2 piles on after A1 is down.
Ruling: First-and-10 on A25. This dead-ball unnecessary roughness is enforced from the succeeding spot (A10).
Note: If this had occurred on fourth down, it would have been B’s ball, first-and-10 on A25. The dead-ball foul is
enforced after the change of possession.
141
LAST PLAY OF HALF—FUMBLE—TEAM B DEAD-BALL FOUL
Fourth-and-4 on B18. The score is tied on the last play of the half. A’s field-goal attempt is blocked and the ball rolls
to the B28. Kicker A2 picks up the ball, runs to the B19, and throws a pass to eligible A6 at the B15. A6 catches the
pass at the B15, runs to the B5, fumbles, and: (a) A8 recovers at the B2 and scores; or (b) A6 recovers his fumble
at the B4 and B8 piles on him after he is tackled.
Rulings:
(a) Half over. No score. A8 was not the fumbling player.
(b) Half over. Enforce B’s foul for unnecessary roughness on the opening kickoff of the second half (or overtime).
142
FAILED TRY TWO-POINT TRY—PERSONAL FOUL IN CONTINUING ACTION
A1 scores on the last play of the fourth quarter to make the score 34-32 in favor of Team B. On the ensuing Try from
the B2, A2 is driven out of bounds at the B½-yard line, and B2 hits him late out of bounds.
Ruling: Game over. Team B wins 34-32. There is no extension or enforcement of the dead ball unnecessary
roughness, as it would be enforced on the kickoff. There would be no replay of the Try attempt, even if time remained
on the clock.
143
RUN ENDS IN FIELD OF PLAY—MULTIPLE TEAM A FOULS AGAINST OFFICIAL
Third-and-10 on B40. A1 runs to the B35 where he is tackled inbounds. Immediately after A1 is down, A3 screams
in the face of the Down Judge that A1 was tackled by the facemask, and then A2 shoves the official.
Ruling: Fourth-and-35 on A35. Disqualify A2. Both unsportsmanlike conduct fouls are enforced in this situation, as
a foul against an official is always enforced as a foul between downs. The foul by A3 counts toward a disqualification,
if he commits another foul of this type.
144
MULTIPLE FOULS—BY TEAM B—LIVE BALL/FOUL AGAINST OFFICIAL
Third-and-10 on B40. B1 commits pass interference at the B28. Right after the play, B1 is angry about the foul and
throws his helmet down at the ground in the direction of the official.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B14. Disqualify B1. The foul against the official is treated as a foul between downs, so both
the defensive pass interference and unsportsmanlike conduct are enforced.
145
DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM A LIVE BALL FOUL—TEAM B DEAD BALL FOUL
Second-and-10 on B40. A1 drops back to pass. A2 holds B1 while pass blocking. A1 passes complete to A3 at the
B30 and he is tackled either inbounds or out of bounds, after which B2 piles on.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on B40. Replay the down. The offensive holding and dead ball personal foul offset.
Note: Live ball fouls combine with dead-ball fouls to create double fouls.
146
DOUBLE FOUL—TEAM B LIVE BALL FOUL—DEAD BALL FOULS BY BOTH TEAMS
First-and-Ten on A20. Back A2 takes a handoff and runs to the B20 where he is tackled. During A2's run, B6 pulls
A6’s facemask at the B10. After the play, A2 shoves B4 and B4 shoves A2 (both actions are unnecessary
roughness).
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A20. Replay the down. The live ball facemask combines with the dead ball personal
foul to create a double foul. There is no op
147
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL—RUNNER MAKES FIRST DOWN
First-and-10 on 50. A3 is illegally downfield on a forward pass. The pass is complete to A2, who is tackled inbounds
at the B30. Immediately after A1 is tackled, A1 taunts B3.
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL—RUNNER MAKES FIRST DOWN
First-and-10 on 50. A3 is illegally downfield on a forward pass. The pass is complete to A2, who is tackled inbounds
at the B30. Immediately after A1 is tackled, A1 taunts B3.
148
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL
First-and-10 on 50. Incomplete pass by A1, and offensive pass interference on the play at the B25. After the pass is
incomplete, A2 roughs B2.
Ruling: A’s ball, second-and-25 on A35. Multiple fouls. The unnecessary roughness would be accepted, as the down
would count, and the offensive pass interference would be declined.
149
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM B—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL
First-and-10 on 50. Incomplete pass by A1, and B1 commits defensive pass interference on the play at the B25.
After the pass is incomplete, B2 roughs the passer.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. Multiple fouls. The defensive pass interference would be accepted and the
roughing-the-passer penalty would be declined, as it would be enforced from the previous spot.
150
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM B—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL—FOURTH DOWN
Fourth-and-15 on B40. A2 runs a draw up the middle to the B36. During the run, nose tackle B1 holds A2 at the B38
to prevent him from blocking linebacker B2. B3 piles on after the play.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B31. Multiple fouls. Since Team A did not make the line to gain, it must accept the
live-ball defensive hold and decline the dead-ball unnecessary roughness, or it would be B’s ball.
151
LIVE BALL AND FOUL BETWEEN DOWNS BY SAME TEAM
First-and-10 on 50. A3 is illegally downfield. The pass is completed to A2 who either runs out of bounds or is tackled
inbounds at the B30. As the referee begins his announcement for the ineligible receiver downfield, A2 taunts B1.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-30 on A30. The ineligible receiver downfield is enforced, and the significant delay after the
play ends and before the dead-ball taunting, permits both fouls to be enforced. The unsportsmanlike conduct foul
counts toward a potential disqualification for two such fouls.
152
MULTIPLE FOULS BY TEAM A—LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL—TOUCHDOWN
Third-and-5 on B10. As quarterback A1 drops back to pass, A2 holds B1 at the line of scrimmage. A1 subsequently
completes a pass to A3 in the end zone for a touchdown. Running back A4, in his excitement, runs into the end zone
to congratulate A3 and takes off his helmet in the process. The Field Judge throws a flag for UNS.
Ruling: Third-and-15 on B20. Team B must accept the offensive holding and decline the unsportsmanlike conduct
to negate the touchdown.
153
FOUL BETWEEN HALVES OR BEFORE OVERTIME
At the end of the first half, or at the end of regulation time of a game going into overtime, one of the coaches or
players argues with, and shoves, an official.
FOUL BETWEEN HALVES OR BEFORE OVERTIME
At the end of the first half, or at the end of regulation time of a game going into overtime, one of the coaches or
players argues with, and shoves, an official.
154
FAILURE TO MAKE LINE TO GAIN ON THIRD DOWN—TEAM A PLAYER PUNCHES OPPONENT
Third-and-10 on A10. A1 is downed on A16. During the run, A2 punches B1 at the A12.
Ruling: Fourth-and-4 on A16, or third-and-14 on A6. Disqualify A2. A2 is disqualified regardless of whether the
unnecessary roughness penalty is accepted or declined.
155
TOUCHDOWN—ENFORCEMENT OF MAJOR FOULS BY BOTH TEAMS
Third-and-10 on A30. While A1 is running with the ball at the B25, B1 grabs and pulls his facemask. A1 scores on
the play. (a) After A1 crosses the goal line, A1 shoves B1, knocking him to the ground; (b) well after A1 has crossed
the goal line, and as A1 is running toward his bench, A1 shoves B1, knocking him to the ground; (c) after Team A
has elected to enforce B1’s facemask on the kickoff, but before the ready for play for the Try, A1 shoves B1, knocking
him to the ground; or (d) after Team A has elected to enforce B1’s facemask on the kickoff, and after the ready for
play for the Try, A1 shoves B1, knocking him to the ground.
Rulings:
(a) These fouls happened on the play and in the continuing action after the play, so they offset on the kickoff, and
neither team has the option to enforce on the Try. (This is a clean-hands score.)
(b) The first foul happened on the play, and the second foul happened clearly between downs, so each team will
have the option to enforce the other team’s foul on either the kickoff or Try. That election will be made in the
order of occurrence.
(c) B1’s foul will be enforced on the kickoff, as once that election has been made, the team cannot change their
decision. Team B will then have the option to enforce A1’s foul on the Try or the kickoff.
(d) B1’s foul will be enforced on the kickoff, as once that election has been made, the team cannot change their
decision. A1’s foul will be enforced on the Try, since that foul happened after the ready for play.
Note: If Team A fouls after the ready for play on a Try, that foul can only be enforced on the Try. If Team B fouls
after the ready for play on a Try, Team A has the option to enforce that foul on the Try or the Kickoff.
