Rules of the Game – The Ransom Report – Edition 7
Tagged under: Coaches Corner, News
Kevin Ransom | October 6, 2023
October 6th 2023
EDITION – 7.2
I remember working on a crew with a gentleman named Bob Weller. He would remind as we traveled to our first game of the year that before we knew it we would be deep into the season, maybe even into playoffs. I was a young official at the time. He said this to remind me that I should enjoy every snap and do my best with every play.
The Ransom Report reminds you to do the same thing; enjoy every snap of the America’s Greatest Game!
This week we are going to take a quick look at fouls that occur prior to the snap and at the snap. You will likely find some differences between high school rules vs the rules you see on Saturday and Sunday Afternoons.
PLAY #1
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The offensive tackle lines up in the neutral zone. Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down, distance, and yard line after the penalty?
PLAY #2
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The offensive running back moves forward early. Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down, distance, and yard line after the penalty?
PLAY #3
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The defensive tackle jumps into the neutral zone. Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down, distance, and yard line after the penalty?
PLAY #4
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The offense lines up with 5 men in the backfield and 6 on the line of scrimmage. Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down, distance, and yard line after the penalty?
PLAY #5
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The offense lines up with only 10 men on the field (3 in the backfield and 7 on the line of scrimmage). Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down distance, and yard line after the penalty?
PLAY #6
It is 2nd and 4 from the Offense’s 36-yard line. The defense lines up with 12 guys on the field. Should the ball be snapped? Is there a foul? What is the down, distance, and yard line after the penalty?
YOU MAKE THE CALL!!!
Interested in becoming a PIAA Football official? Contact the PIAA or any local official. They can help you get started. Have a question about this column? I can be reached at kevinransom95@hotmail.com
ANSWERS:
Play #1: A foul for Encroachment on the offense will be called. The play should not be snapped. This foul DOES shut down the play. The result will be a 5-yard penalty resulting in 2nd and 9 from the Offense’s 31-yard line.
Play #2: A foul for False Start on the offense will be called. The play should not be snapped. This foul DOES shut down the play. The result will be a 5-yard penalty resulting in 2nd and 9 from the Offense’s 31-yard line.
Play #3: A foul for Encroachment on the defense will be called. The play should not be snapped. This foul DOES shut down the play. The result will be a 5-yard penalty resulting in 1st and 10 from the Offense’s 41-yard line.
Play #4: A foul for Illegal Formation on the offense will be called. The play should be snapped. This foul DOES NOT shut down the play. The result will be a 5-yard penalty resulting in 2nd and 9 from the Offense’s 31-yard line.
Play #5: There is no foul for this action. The offense is free to run an offensive play with only 10 men on the field. A foul would occur if the offense had 12 men on the field or more than 4 in the backfield. The play will stand as it is run.
Play #6: One of two fouls will be called when this occurs. Should the officials observe 12 men on the defense prior to the snap they should call a foul for Illegal Substitution and not allow the play to be run. This will be a 5-yard foul. This will result in 1st and 10 from the offense’s 31-yard line. Should the officials observe 12 men on the defense after the snap then the play will continue, and a foul will be called for illegal participation. This will be a 15-yard foul. This will result in 1st and 10 from Defense’s 49-yard line. NOTE: It is always the goal of the officiating crew to catch this foul prior to the snap.
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