The Rules of the Game – The Ransom Report – Edition 5

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, News

Kevin Ransom | September 22, 2023

September 22^nd 2023

EDITION – 5.2

Week 5 of the PIAA football season is here……..time to figure out if your team is playoff bound!

I have always appreciated the game of football.  The rules of the game are part of that appreciation.  This closer look into the rules through education has been very enjoyable for me.  I hope it has been equally enjoyable for you.

I am willing to entertain any questions or comments about this column or officiating.  Feel free to contact me anytime.

This is the second edition of “The Rules of the Game” for this week.  Earlier this week we took a fun look at the language used by officials.  Now we are going to dive back into the rules.  Let’s examine defensive fouls.

PLAY #1

It is 3^rd and 8.  The ball is on the Offense’s 21-yard line.  The Running Back carries the ball to the Offense’s 25-yard line where he is tackled in bounds.  During the tackle the defensive player grabs the facemask of the running back and twist at the 25-yard line.

PLAY #2

It is 2^nd and 14 from the Defensive’s 22-yard line.  The Running Back carries the ball to the Defense’s 10-yard line where he is tackled in bounds.  After the play, a second Defensive player jumps on the ball carrier clearly late.

PLAY #3

It is 3^rd and 15 from the Defense’s 40-yard line.  The Wide Receiver runs his route but is clearly held by the Defensive man covering him before the ball is thrown.  The play ends when the Quarterback throws a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage that falls incomplete.

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 clearly a foul for Defensive Facemask.  This is a 15-yard penalty that will be enforced from the spot of the foul or end of the run (same spot in this play).  The result will be 1^st and 10 from the Offenses 40-yard line.  

 Play #2:  This is a personal foul/late hit.  This is considered a “dead ball” foul and will be enforced from the end of the run. The play will count.  In this play the penalty will only be enforced half the distance to the goal (normally 15-yards).  The line to gain will have been met after enforcement.  This will result in a 1^st and goal for the offense from the 5-yard line. 

 Play #3:  The hold by the defensive back is not legal.  Like the better-known offensive holding, this is a 10-yard penalty.  Because the play resulted in an incomplete pass the foul will be accepted and enforced from the previous spot.  The down will also be replayed.  The result will be 3^rd and 5 from the Defense’s 30-yard line.      

 NOTE: Keep an eye out for another special edition of “The Rules of the Game” early next week.  We will take a closer look at rules difference when comparing High School Rules, College Rules, and Professional Rules.  The normal “Rules of the Game” will still be released on Friday

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