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NFHS Football Case Plays - Rule 3
(Periods, Time Factor, and Substitutions)
EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
3.1.1 SITUATION A:
The home management notifies the game officials and the visiting-team coach 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff that the halftime intermission will be extended for homecoming activities. - correct answer -RULING: The maximum length of the halftime intermission is 20 minutes. Any greater extension is not permitted either by mutual agreement or prior notification. COMMENT: By agreement of the opposing coaches, the halftime intermission may be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes unless there has been a delay of at least 30 minutes due to weather in the last three minutes of the second period (3-1-6, 3-1-6c, 3-1-6c EXCEPTION) *3.1.1 SITUATION B: Prior to the game, the participating schools have agreed to a 20-minute halftime intermission: (a) After 20 minutes have been placed on the game clock, planned band performances are canceled because of cold weather. Both teams arrive on the field with six minutes remaining on the game clock. Both coaches tell the game officials they have agreed to shorten the halftime intermission and want the game to start as soon as they have both had three minutes to warm up; or (b) As the teams leave the field, the timer places 20 minutes on the game clock and upon reaching 0:00, places three additional minutes on the game clock. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), mutual agreement of coaches to shorten the halftime intermission is permitted. They may not, however, shorten it to less than 10 minutes unless there has been a delay of at least 30 minutes due to weather in the last three minutes of the second period. Regardless of what it is shortened to, the three-minute warm-up time always must be added to whatever is agreed to for the halftime intermission. In (b), the time has been posted properly. (3-1-6, 3- 1-6c, 3-1-6c EXCEPTION, 3-1-7) 3.1.1 SITUATION C: Upon returning to the field near the end of the normal 15-minute halftime intermission, the game officials notice one team standing quietly in front of its bench during the entire three minutes posted for warm-up. The game officials: (a) start the game as soon as the three minutes have elapsed, or (b) inform the coach of that team that the team must actively warm up by running or doing some kind of exercises.
- correct answer -RULING: The game officials are correct in (a), but in error in (b). The rules book contains no definition of what constitutes a warm-up. It simply requires that an opportunity to warm up be made available. (3-1-7)
*3.1.1 SITUATION D:
Both teams are informed of a 15-minute halftime intermission. The game officials remind the teams that the halftime intermission period is nearing an end, and that the three-minute warm-up period will begin immediately. Team A returns to the field prior to the end of the halftime intermission, however Team B is not on the field when the halftime intermission ends and the timer immediately and appropriately starts the three-minute warm-up period. Team B does not arrive on the field until the three-minute warm-up period has expired. - correct answer -RULING: The head coach of Team B is charged with unsportsmanlike conduct and B is penalized 15 yards to start the second half. Though Team B has violated the rule by not being on the field at the end of the halftime intermission, and by not being on the field at the end of the three-minute warm-up period, only one unsportsmanlike conduct foul is penalized. (3-1-7, 9-8-1g) 3.1.5 SITUATION A: During the second period, a cloudburst brings a torrent of rain onto a grass field. The game officials suspend play and after a 20-minute delay determine the field is no longer playable. - correct answer - RULING: While the game officials are authorized to delay or suspend a game when weather conditions are construed to be hazardous to life or limb, such as lightning, tornado alert, etc., a heavy shower which only affects the playing conditions, may or may not be judged by the game officials to be hazardous to life or limb. While the game officials are the final authority on suspending play, it is a good practice for the game officials to discuss the alternatives with game management and representatives of both teams before suspending the game. 3.1.5 SITUATION B: During the third period, a thunderstorm moves into the area. The crew of game officials huddle to assess the situation. There is disagreement among the crew as to whether the game should be suspended. - correct answer -RULING: The referee will make the final decision. If possible, he should involve game administration from each school before making the final decision unless there is no time for discussion. Risk minimization must always be the primary consideration. COMMENT: Game officials should study and observe the "NFHS Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances" as printed in the back of the NFHS Football Rules Book, as well as applicable state association guidelines. (1-1-5) *3.3.3 SITUATION A: With the score B-7 and A-6, it is second and goal from B's 9-yard line. The game clock is stopped due to an incomplete pass with four seconds remaining in the game. A1's pass into the end zone is intercepted by B1 who runs to his 30-yard line where he is downed. Following the interception and during the run by B1, there is clipping in the end zone by B2. Time expires during the run. - correct answer -RULING: If the penalty for the foul by B2 is declined, the period is over. If the penalty is accepted, it results in a safety
3.3.3 SITUATION F:
With the score A-14, B-23, A scores a touchdown: (a) as time expires in the fourth period; or(b) as time expires in the third period; or(c) as time expires in the fourth period in a state in which a tie-breaking procedure for playoff qualification is based on points scored. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), the try will not be permitted - the game is over and the final score is A-20, B-23. In (b), the try is attempted as part of the third period. The try in (c) is permissible if the potential point(s) is needed in a tie-breaker system for playoff qualification. Each state must interpret this provision as it applies to its particular qualifying plan. (8-3-1 Exception) 3.3.3 SITUATION G: K1 punts on fourth and 15 from his own 20-yard line. R1 signals for a fair catch at R's 30. K2 commits kick-catching interference at R's 35 and time for the second period expires during the down. R2 recovers the kick at R's 28. - correct answer -RULING: If R declines the penalty, the period is over. If R accepts an awarded catch or has the penalty otherwise enforced, the period will be extended by an untimed down. (6-5-6 PENALTY) 3.3.4 SITUATION A: Time expires for the second period as A11 runs the ball beyond the line to gain and A11 then throws a forward pass to A9 who scores a touchdown. - correct answer -RULING: Team B will likely accept the penalty, which will negate the touchdown. The period will not be extended as A's foul contained a loss- of-down provision. *3.3.4 SITUATION B: The game clock is running with 10 seconds remaining in the fourth period as A1 drops back about 4 yards and intentionally grounds a forward pass to stop the game clock. The penalty is accepted and B will likely decline the option to start the game clock on the snap. The referee starts the game clock on the ready following penalty enforcement and time expires before A can snap the ball. - correct answer - RULING: If B accepted the penalty for A's foul and declines the option to start the game clock on the snap, the game is over. There is no untimed down as the game clock did not expire during the down in which A1 committed the foul. (3-4-6, 3-4-7) 3.3.4 SITUATION C: On a down in which time expires for the period, Team A throws a pass which is intercepted by B1. B advances to the 3-yard line where he: (a) throws an incomplete pass; (b) throws a pass to B2 in the end zone for an apparent touchdown; or (c) hands the ball forward to B2 who runs for an apparent touchdown. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) and (b), B has thrown an illegal forward pass. In (c), B is guilty of illegal handing the ball forward. In (a), A will accept the penalty. In (b) and (c), A will accept the
penalty to negate the score. If this occurs at the end of the first or third period, B will have the ball first and 10 to start the subsequent period following enforcement of the penalty. If this occurs at the end of the half, the half is over. In (a), (b) and (c), the period will not be extended as Team B has committed a foul for which the loss-of-down aspect does not apply to the penalty when enforced. (5-2-2) 3.3.4 SITUATION D: In the middle of a period, Team A throws a pass which is intercepted by B1. B1 advances to the 8-yard line where he: (a) throws an incomplete pass; (b) throws a pass to B2 in the end zone for an apparent touchdown; or (c) hands the ball forward to B2 who runs for apparent touchdown. - correct answer - RULING: In (a), (b) and (c), the accepted foul will result in B having the ball, first and 10 after enforcement of the distance penalty, as the loss-of-down aspect of the penalty would not apply. (5-2-2) *3.3.5 SITUATION A: A trails by three points in the fourth period with the ball on B's 20, fourth and 10 and two seconds on the game clock. A1 throws an incomplete pass into B's end zone with time expired. The referee quickly glances to each sideline and then begins to leave the field. After the referee crosses the sideline, the referee hears the line judge blowing his whistle. The line judge explains that B1 committed pass interference during the down in which time expired. - correct answer -RULING: The game is not officially over even though the referee left the field. Since a foul had been called, the referee will give A a chance to accept the penalty and extend the period with an untimed down from B's 10-yard line. COMMENT: The game is officially over when the referee holds the ball overhead and leaves the field. Before doing this however, the referee should pause briefly and glance to both sidelines and make sure there are no fouls, no obvious timing error, no request for a coach-referee conference, etc. 3.3.5 SITUATION B: Time expires at the end of the second period during a scrimmage kick. After the down, K1 piles on and R1 strikes K2. - correct answer -RULING: The penalties for these dead-ball fouls cancel. R1 will be disqualified for fighting. (9-4-1; 10-2-5b, c; 10-4-5b) *3.4.2 SITUATION A: Near the end of the second period, there is a false start by A1 clearly for the purpose of stopping the game clock: (a) in the first or third periods or with two minutes or more remaining in the second or fourth periods; or (b) with less than two minutes remaining in the second or fourth periods. When will the game clock be restarted? - correct answer -RULING: In (a), because the foul was the only reason for stopping the game clock, it will be restarted on the ready-for-play signal following the enforcement of the penalty unless the referee feels compelled to start the game clock on the snap by 3-4-6. In (b), Team B shall have the option to start the game clock on the snap. (3-4-7)
*3.4.3 SITUATION C:
Receiver A1 controls a pass while airborne near A's sideline. B1 contacts A1 (but does not carry him) who then lands out of bounds in possession of the ball. B1 does not drive the receiver backward from his forward progress. The covering official rules an incomplete pass. - correct answer -RULING: The game clock is stopped because of the receiver being out of bounds; therefore, the pass is incomplete. The game clock will start with the snap. *3.4.3 SITUATION D: With third and 10: (a) A1 fumbles the ball and B recovers, or (b) A1's pass is intercepted by B. When will the game clock be restarted? - correct answer -RULING: Since a change of possession has occurred in both (a) and (b) and B is awarded a new series of downs, the game clock will start on the snap. *3.4.3 SITUATION E: On fourth down (a) K1's punt is blocked by R1 behind the neutral zone where K2 recovers and advances beyond the line to gain, or (b) is stopped behind the line to gain. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) and (b) the game clock will start on the snap because a new series has been awarded following a legal kick. *3.4.3 SITUATION F: K11 punts on fourth and 10. R1 catches the kick after giving a legal fair catch signal. Prior to the snap, K was illegally in motion. R accepts the penalty for illegal motion. - correct answer -RULING: Regardless of where R chooses enforcement, after enforcement the game clock shall start on the snap as both the down ending and game clock stopping was due to the fair catch. *3.4.3 SITUATION G: A1 throws an incomplete pass on third down. During the play, A3 holds. B accepts the penalty. - correct answer -RULING: After enforcement, the game clock shall start on the snap. (3-4-3e) *3.4.6 COMMENT: Is there suggested guidance in determining situations where a team may be conserving or consuming time illegally and the referee should consider starting/stopping the game or play clock, as in Rule 3-4- outside of the final two minutes of either half? Yes. In general, the referee must be aware of game situations where A could manipulate the game or play clock by repeatedly committing dead-ball fouls, or in other ways, intentionally try to restart the play clock in a situation when it would normally start on the ready in order to manipulate the remaining time. - correct answer -The following represent examples of plays where the referee may need to start or stop the game or play clock to ensure
competitive fairness to both teams: a) With 19 seconds remaining on the game clock but only 5 seconds remaining on the play clock, the game clock is running in the first period. Team K is in punt formation on fourth down. K will apparently be kicking into a strong wind. Lineman K62 commits a 'false start' just before the snap. If this occurs, K should be penalized 5 yards if accepted. The referee shall invoke Rule 3- 4-6 and start the game clock on the snap. b) With the game clock running, A2 does not have his chinstrap snapped as the ball is about to become "live." In this case, the play clock should be stopped and the player removed from the game for one play unless the halftime intermission or overtime intermission occurs. The game clock will start on the snap, unless the referee invokes Rule 3-4-6 if he felt an advantage was intentionally gained. This list is not intended to be exhaustive but only to offer guidance to referees. *3.4.7 SITUATION A: With time expiring inside the last two minutes in the second or fourth period and A behind in the score, A1 intentionally throws the ball forward to the ground in order to stop the game clock. A1's action took place: (a) immediately after receiving the snap while A1 was lined up 3 yards deep; or (b) immediately after receiving the snap; or (c) after A1 delayed and took more than one step after receiving the snap. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) and (b), the grounding is legal and the game clock remains stopped until the subsequent snap. Illegal forward pass in (c), and the game clock shall be started on the ready-for- play signal unless Team B chooses to start the game clock on the snap. (7-5-2d EXCEPTION) *3.4.7 SITUATION B: With less than a minute remaining in the game, the score is 21-20 in favor of B. The game clock is running and the ball is on B's 10-yard line. An option play on third down gains 5 yards, but is short of a first down. Following the tackle: (a) B players are slow unpiling and a penalty marker is dropped; or (b) the tackler B1 holds A1 down for a few moments, but the covering official does not judge the action to be illegal. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), the delay penalty is a situation which automatically dictates the game clock will not be started until the snap. In (b), even though B1 held A1 down momentarily, the game clock will continue to run because no foul was called. COMMENT: In some situations there is a delay in unpiling and no individual player or team is to blame. In such situations the referee is authorized to stop the game clock momentarily so no more clock time than normal is used in getting the ball ready for play. (3-4-3h) *3.4.7 SITUATION C: With less than a minute remaining in the game, Team B trails 21-20. B1 commits a holding foul during the down. Following the play, A2 commits an unsportsmanlike conduct foul. - correct answer -RULING: The fouls are administered separately and in order of occurrence. In addition, Team A is given the choice of starting the game clock on the snap. If Team A declines to start the game clock on the snap, Team B is then given the option of starting the game clock on the snap. With Team B trailing, Team B will likely choose to start the game clock on the snap. (10-1-3)
3.5.2 SITUATION B:
Team A wishes to call a time-out: (a) a player requests a time-out;(b) the head coach on the field requests a time-out;(c) an assistant coach on the field requests a time-out;(d) the head coach is in the press box and an assistant coach on the field requests a time-out; or(e) the head coach has been disqualified and an assistant coach on the field requests a time-out. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) and (b), upon visual contact, the time-out is granted. In (c), (d) and (e), the time-out is granted only if the coach is the head coach's designee. NOTE: The designee shall remain in place for the entire game except in case of emergency. 3.5.4 SITUATION: Near the end of the second period, A requests and is granted a charged time-out. After both teams are ready to play, A comes to the line of scrimmage in an unusual formation. The captain of B immediately requests a time-out which is granted. At the end of this time-out period, when A comes to the line of scrimmage again, A1 notices B has adjusted its defense. A1 then requests a second charged time-out during the same dead-ball period. - correct answer -RULING: If A has time-outs remaining, the referee will grant the request for the charged time-out. Successive time-outs by the same team, or by one team followed by the other team, are permissible. 3.5.8 SITUATION A: During a charged time-out, an official's time-out for heat/humidity, a TV/radio time-out, or the intermission between the first and second or the third and fourth periods, or following a try: (a) team members of A confer with their head coach in front of the team box near the sideline; or(b) the coach of B goes to the huddle of B between the 9-yard marks, and talks to an assistant via a headset he brought to the huddle; or(c) the coach of B goes on the field and uses the time to berate and loudly question the referee regarding a previous play; or(d) the coach wishes to discuss the previous play with the referee; or(e) the head coach of A goes to the team huddle on the field for 30 seconds and then comes out and another coach takes his place for the rest of the time-out. - correct answer -RULING: It is a legal conference in (a) and (b). In (a), the players may use the headsets. In (b), the players may not use the headsets. In (c) and (e), it is illegal. In (d), this conference must be held at the sideline in front of the team box regardless of which authorized conference procedure is used. (2-6-2, 9-8-1c, 9-8-1i) *3.5.8 SITUATION B: A game official stops the game clock for an injury to player A1. While the injured played is being attended to, the coach of Team B attempts to hold a conference (a) between the 9-yard marks; or (b) in front of the team box outside the 9-yard marks. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) the conference must move outside the 9-yard marks; in (b), legal conference.
COMMENT: If the injured player is being attended in the area outside the 9-yard marks, the game officials should relocate the conference outside the 9-yard marks to an area that allowed for uninhibited access to the injured player by all appropriate health-care professionals. *3.5.10 SITUATION A: A game official stops the game or play clock when he notices quarterback A1 has a bloody nose. A1 is directed to go to his team box. The coach of A then requests a time-out and A1's bleeding is stopped during the time-out. A1 re-enters with other teammates following the time-out. - correct answer - RULING: A1 must remain in the team box for at least one down. A time-out called after a game official has stopped the game or play clock for an injured player does not allow the injured player to remain in the game. Any conference during the official's time-out must be held outside the 9-yard marks. If the coach's request for a charged timeout is granted, either type of conference may be used, but A1 may not re-enter the game until one play has elapsed and cannot participate in an on-field conference. [3-5- 8a(3), 3-5-8c, 3-5-10] 3.5.10 SITUATION B: A1 has an open wound or scratch on his arm. In (a) Team A takes a charged team time-out before the wound is noticed by a game official; or(b) the covering official calls an official's time-out for the player's injury to be evaluated. - correct answer - RULING: In (a), if A1's wound is properly treated before the time-out ends, he may return to the game immediately; in (b), because the covering official's time-out was taken, A1 must leave the game for at least one down and may not return until the wound is properly treated. In (b), any conference must be held outside the 9-yard marks. [3-5-8a(3), 3-5-8c] *3.5.10 SITUATION C: Midway through the second period, the game clock is stopped for: (a) an incomplete forward pass; or (b) a measurement; or (c) an out-of-bounds play, when a game official notices that A1 appears to be injured. - correct answer -RULING: A1 must be replaced for at least one down in (a), (b) and (c). As it is an official's time-out. If A1 is injured during the last down of either half, he may return for the first play or down of the second half or overtime period. 3.5.10 SITUATION D: What guidelines should the game officials follow in determining if a player may have a concussion? - correct answer -RULING: Game officials should observe players. If any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems), the game officials shall ensure that the player is immediately removed
them outside their pants; or (c) that are waist length, but have tucked them up under the bottom of their shoulder pads; or (d) with an undershirt that extends below the top of the waist line of the pants and is not tucked in. - correct answer -RULING: The jerseys in (a) and (c) are not legal. An official's time- out is declared and the player must be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime intermission or an overtime intermission occurs. This incident should be reported to the proper administrative authorities at the visiting team's school and the state association office. In (b) and (d), the jerseys (and undershirts) of all players will have to be tucked inside the pants upon discovery and tucking the jerseys may not delay the ready-for-play signal. If repair cannot be made without delaying the ready-for-play signal, an official's time-out is declared and the player must be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime intermission or an overtime intermission occurs. COMMENT: Any time the play clock is interrupted for improperly worn or missing equipment by a player, the player is to be removed from the contest for at least one play. [1-5- 1b(1), 1-5-5, 1-5-6, 3-5- 2b, 3-5-10e] *3.5.10 SITUATION J: During a play during the first period, B1 is detected wearing: (a) an earring; or (b) a necklace; or (c) a ring; or (d) a medical alert bracelet; or (e) a religious medallion. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), (b) and (c), an official's time-out is declared and the player must be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime intermission or an overtime intermission occurs. B1 must comply with the rules before further participation. COMMENT: Any time the play clock is interrupted for improperly worn or missing equipment by a player, the player is to be removed from the contest for at least one play. In (d), legal if securely attached to the body and visible, if necessary, and judged by the game official not to present a hazard to the wearer or other players. In (e), the medallion must be taped to the body. [1-5-3c(6)] *3.5.10 SITUATION K: Near the end of the first period, A1 is discovered to be wearing: (a) shoes with cleats which are more than ½ inch in length; or (b) a slippery substance on his uniform, exposed body part or hands; or (c) a knee brace which has an unpadded strip of metal across the front of the leg; or (d) a glove that does not contain the appropriate NOCSAE or SFIA glove seal; or (e) a helmet without an exterior warning label. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), (b) and (e), an unsportsmanlike penalty is assessed from the succeeding spot because the head coach has previously verified all players were using only legal equipment. In (c) and (d), an official's time-out is declared and the player must be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime intermission or an overtime intermission occurs. If the equipment is detected between downs and can be removed or made legal without delaying the ready-for-play signal, the player may remain in the game. COMMENT: Any time the play clock is interrupted for improperly worn or missing equipment by a player, the player is to be removed from the contest for at least one play. (1-5-4)
*3.5.10 SITUATION L:
In the first period, the umpire observes three linemen for Team A wearing towels. One towel is solid blue, and the other two are white. - correct answer -RULING: An official's time-out is declared and the player must be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime intermission or an overtime intermission occurs. If the equipment is detected between downs and can be removed or made legal without delaying the ready-for-play signal, the player may remain in the game. If towels are worn by multiple players, they must all be of the same solid color, and must conform to the limitations on size and restrictions on manufacturers' logo/trademark reference. COMMENT: Any time the play clock is interrupted for improperly worn or missing equipment by a player, the player is to be removed from the contest for at least one play. [1-5-3a(5)a] 3.5.11 SITUATION A: It is third and 8 from A's 45 when A1 throws an incomplete forward pass. Erroneously the ball is spotted at the 50, the ball marked ready for play, and K1 punts the ball into R's end zone. Following the down, the R captain requests a time-out so the coach may discuss the misapplication of the rules with the referee on the missed spotting of the ball after third down. - correct answer -RULING: It is too late to make any correction. The error had to be recognized and correction made before the ball was snapped on fourth down. 3.5.11 SITUATION B: Following a fourth-down incomplete forward pass late in the fourth period, a time-out is properly requested for a coach-referee conference regarding possible misapplication of a rule. (a) The coach of B questions a pass interference call on B1 during a second forward pass by A1; or(b) the coach of A questions why no pass interference by the defense was called and why the covering official inappropriately signaled that the pass was not catchable. In either case the referee determines the coach was correct and an incorrect ruling and inappropriate signal had been applied. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), the penalty marker is picked up. In (b), a penalty marker may be dropped and the pass interference penalized. Misapplication of a rule or an incorrect signal may result in picking up a flag or dropping a marker to indicate a foul did occur and gives the appropriate signal. *3.6.1 COMMENT 1: Is there guidance for game officials in the implementation of the new 40/25 play clock rule regarding the ready-for-play in general? - correct answer -Yes, when a 40-second play clock is running at various times while the game clock is already running, game officials will need to be alert to situations such as the fact there may be no distinct signal that the ball is ready for play and as such, all members of the crew will need to be alert for the moment the ball-placing game official (umpire) is in position after placing the
*3.6.1 SITUATION C:
When the ball is dead after a running play that ends out of bounds, the 40-second play clock is started. The umpire receives the ball from the line judge, and as he is placing it on the ground, he sees that it is one of Team B's balls. He tosses the ball to the line judge who attempts to get a Team A ball from the ball boy. - correct answer -RULING: If the play clock reads 25 or less before the correct ball is in from the sideline and ready for play, the referee declares a time-out and signals to reset the play clock to 25 seconds. When the correct ball is ready for play, he signals to start the play clock. *3.6.1 SITUATION D: When the ball is dead after a running play that ends in the side zone, the game officials have difficulty getting the ball in to the hash mark. As the play clock nears 25, the umpire places the ball on the ground, and by the time the game officials are ready, the play clock is below 25 when the umpire steps away. - correct answer -RULING: Without stopping the game clock, the referee gives the "pump" signal to indicate that the play clock is to be reset to 25. If the play clock is reset to 25 without any delay, the game clock does not stop. Only if the play clock operator does not quickly respond to the referee's "pump" signal does the referee declare a time-out, signal for the play clock to be set at 25, and then signal to start the game clock and the play clock. *3.6.1 SITUATION E: On third and two, A45 fumbles after gaining three yards. The game officials cannot determine who has recovered the fumble, so the line judge signals the game clock to stop while the ball is being located. A45 is found to be in possession of the ball and (a) has not made his line to gain or (b) has made his line to gain. - correct answer -RULING: In (a) and (b), when the ball is ready for play, the referee immediately will give the ready-for-play signal starting the play clock and signal the game clock to start due to this administrative stoppage. *3.6.1 SITUATION F: Team A fumbles or the ball is loose after a backward pass. Several players dive on the ball, attempting recovery. - correct answer -RULING: The covering official( s) shall stop the game clock. If recovered by A short of the line to gain (no first down), the 40-second play clock shall start. If recovered by B, the 25- second clock will start on the snap following a reset of the 25-second play clock. *3.6.2 SITUATION A: During the down, there is a foul by A1 and the penalty is enforced. The captain of A requests a time-out for a coach-referee conference regarding misapplication, even though A has no time-outs remaining. The referee confers with the coach and there is no change of decision. - correct answer -RULING: A will
be penalized for delay of game and the game clock will be started with the snap unless Rule 3-4- applies. 3.6.2 SITUATION B: (a) A1's forward progress is stopped, but he continues to attempt to break free despite repeated blasts of the whistle by the covering official; or(b) B1 intercepts, is tackled, and then intentionally runs off the field with the ball. - correct answer -RULING: Delay of game in (a) and unsportsmanlike conduct in (b). (9-5-2) 3.7 COMMENT: A procedure has been adopted to provide an equitable penalty as it relates to illegal substitution. The following are examples of the most common situations and rulings:
- If a replaced player or substitute attempts to leave the field, but does not get off prior to the snap
- If a replaced player does not leave the field within three-seconds
- If a replaced player or substitute goes off the field on the wrong side of the field during the down
- If an entering substitute is not on his team's side of the neutral zone at the snap (4a - then participates)
- When a replaced player or substitute leaves on the wrong side of the field or goes across the end line prior to the snap
- If a replaced player or substitute enters the field during the down, but does not participate, - correct answer -1. the foul is considered as having occurred simultaneously with the snap and the penalty is enforced from the previous spot. (3-7-4, 10-4-2a)
- it is a dead-ball, illegal-substitution foul. (3-7-1)
- it is an illegal substitution (live-ball foul). (10-4-2a)
- illegal substitution is considered to have occurred simultaneously with the snap. (4a- it becomes a live-ball foul, illegal participation.) (3-7-5, 9-6-4a)
- it is a dead-ball foul for illegal substitution. (3-7-2, 10-4-5b)
- it is a foul for illegal substitution by a nonplayer, a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot. (3-7-5, 9- 6-4a) 3.7.1 SITUATION A: Substitutes A12 and B12 properly enter the game between downs. The replaced player of A remains in the team huddle while the replaced B player leaves the field within three seconds. - correct answer -
3.7.3 SITUATION C:
With fourth and 5 from B's 40, B12 enters and takes a position as a punt-returner and the replaced player leaves the field. B12 then realizes A is not going to punt and he returns to his team box. - correct answer -RULING: Illegal substitution. B12 became a player when he positioned in the formation and he must remain in the game for at least one down unless a penalty is accepted, a dead-ball foul occurs, there is a charged time-out or the period ends. (2-32) 3.7.3 SITUATION D: It is third and 3 on A's 30 and A1 is downed short of the line to gain on his 28. Specialized kicker A immediately enters the field to replace A3 when the whistle is sounded, but prior to the referee signaling a time-out, because he had detected holding by B1. The designated representative of A accepts the penalty which results in first and 10 for A from its 38. Realizing the change of status: (a) A12 returns to his team box and is replaced by A3; or(b) A4 requests and is granted a charged time- out during which A12 returns to the team box. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), A12 may return as a penalty has been accepted for a foul which occurred during the down. In (b), A12 may be replaced without penalty because the substitution was made during a charged time-out. 3.7.5 SITUATION A: Substitute (a) A1, or (b) B1, noticing his team has only 10 players on the field, comes onto the field just as the ball is about to be snapped. - correct answer -RULING: In (a), A1 must be on the field on A's side of the neutral zone, inside the 9-yard marks, and not violate the shift or motion provisions. Furthermore, the act of his coming onto the field must not deceive the defensive team. In (b), the substitution is legal as long as B1 is on the field on B's side of the neutral zone prior to the snap. (3-7-6, 7-2-1, 7-2-6, 7-2-7, 9- 6-4) 3.7.5 SITUATION B: Prior to the snap, B11 recognizes he is to be in the game and he enters on A's side of the neutral zone. The ball is snapped before B11 gets to his team side. - correct answer -RULING: Illegal substitution at the snap. If the 5-yard penalty is accepted, it is enforced from the previous spot. (10-4-2)
