Rules of the Game – The Ransom Report – Edition 8

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, News, Officiating

Kevin Ransom | October 13, 2023

October 13^th 2023

EDITION – 8

First things first; The Ransom Report is going to ask a favor of all our loyal readers.  Tonight, when you are attending your local game please pause for a moment and look around.  Engage all five of your senses and recognize just how lucky we are to be fans of the greatest game in the world.

Feel how the crisp fall night air is sharp against your skin.

Smell the mixture of aromas permeating from the concession stand.

Hear the deafening volume at which the local band plays your school’s fight song.

Taste the overpriced hamburgers and coffee all while knowing it helps the local non-profit.

See the joy plastered across the faces of the young adults living their best lives.

Week 8 is upon us.  Get excited!

This week we are going to look at dead ball penalties and how they are enforced.  Consider this fair warning, Enforcement of Dead Ball fouls can get a little tricky.

PLAY #1

It is 2^nd and 8 from the Defense’s 15-yard line.  The Running Back takes a handoff and is tackled at the Defense’s 18-yard line for a 3-yard loss.  After the play, the Linebacker hits the Running Back clearly after the play is over.

PLAY #2

It is 2^nd and 8 from the Defense’s 15-yard line.  The Running Back takes the handoff and runs in for a successful touchdown.  After the play, the Running Back spikes the ball in celebration and dances for the crowd.

PLAY #3

It is 4^th and 12 from the Defense’s 40-yard line.  The Quarterback throws a forward pass to the Tight End who catches the ball and is pushed out of bounds at the Defense’s 30-yard line.  The Linebacker then hits the Tight End clearly late and out of bounds.

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:  There is a foul for a late hit.  The yardage for this foul is typically 15-yards.  However, in this case it is only half the distance to the goal line.  Late Hits DO NOT result in an automatic First Down.  Also note that the play counts.  The foul occurred AFTER the play was over.  The result of the play after the foul is 3^rd and 2 from the Defense’s 9-yard line.  There was a lot to unpack in this play, those things include:

1. A) The play counts.
2. B) The yardage is enforced only half the distance to the goal line
3. C) The line to gain was not reached even after the penalty yardage.
4. D) This foul does not carry an automatic first down.

 Play #2:  The touchdown will count as the offense did nothing wrong while scoring.  However, spiking the ball and dancing after the score is considered Unsportsmanlike and will be penalized as such.  This foul is 15-yards however the enforcement spot in this play could be in one of two places.  The defensive team could elect to enforce it on the extra point OR on the ensuing kickoff.  This means the Offensive Team could run the PAT from the 17-yard line or kickoff from their own 25-yard line. 

 Play #3: The play will count as the foul occurred AFTER the play was over.  Because the offense did not reach the line to gain during the play, they turned the ball over on downs.  A late hit carries a 15-yard penalty.  This 15-yard penalty is enforced after the turnover and brings the ball back to the defense’s 15-yard line. This results in a 1^st and 10 for the defense at the Defense’s 15-yard line.   

NOTE:  Look for some bonus coverage next week.  We will be covering the exact steps to becoming an official and the responsibilities that are asked of you once becoming certified. 

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews