Illegal Forward Pass

[NVFOA_Ump]

What is the rule(s) reference(s) please regarding whether a passer has thrown an Illegal Forward Pass in relation to his position with regards to the LOS?  Question came up again during a game replay showing an NFHS HS game the other night.  When the ball leaves the passer's hand, does the passer have to be COMPLETELY beyond the LOS for a forward pass to be ruled illegal or the flip side of that, does the passer have to be COMPLETELY behind the LOS for a forward pass to be ruled legal?  Or all of the "gray area" partly across the LOS options? 

[Ralph Damren]

7-5-1 : It is a legal forward pass....A throws the ball with both feet of the passer in or behind the neutral zone ehen the pass is released.

It was where it left the passer's hand once , but we officials on the rules committee argued that we would beanbag the passer's feet if close to the LOS. WE WON 

[NVFOA_Ump]

So based on rule 7-5-1 and case play 7.5.1 the only determining factor is position of the passer's feet in relation to the NZ when the ball is actually released?

[Ralph Damren]

So based on rule 7-5-1 and case play 7.5.1 the only determining factor is position of the passer's feet in relation to the NZ when the ball is actually released?

Yes, our only gauge is his feet.

[NVFOA_Ump]

Yes, our only gauge is his feet.

Thanks Ralph!