May 2023 YBTR

 

1. Rusher B2 deflags quarterback A1 at the exact same time as a legal forward pass is released from A1’s hand.  The pass is completed for a 5-yard gain to A2.

a)  Play results in a sack.

b)  Play results in a completed pass, gain of 5-yards.

b)  Play results in a completed pass, gain of 5-yards.  Similar to a simultaneous catch of a legal forward pass, a tie goes to the offense on an exactly timed deflagging and release of the ball from the QB's hand.

 

2. A1, running for an apparent touchdown, fumbles the ball on B’s 3-yard line. The ball lands in B’s end zone.

a)  Touchback.

b)  Safety.

c)  The ball is dead where A1 lost possession at B's 3-yard line.

c)  The ball is dead where A1 lost possession at B's 3-yard line.  Rule 4.2.1.f.ii says, "The ball becomes dead and the down is ended when a fumbled ball touches the ground, it is spotted where the ball touches the ground, unless the ball is fumbled forward, and then it is spotted where the runner loses possession, including forward fumbles that touch the ground in the end zone or out of bounds behind the goal line."

 

3. TRUE or FALSE?  QB A1 rolls out and slips, but regains their balance as the ball in their hand touches the ground. Play should continue because a ball in possession is considered part of the player's hand.

TRUE.  Rule 4.2.1.b says, "The ball becomes dead and the down is ended when the runner goes out-of-bounds or allows any part of their body except hand or foot to touch the ground (note: the down does not end if a ball touches the ground while still in control of a player)."  The ball is basically an extension of the runner's hand.