I’m posting this on both the NCAA and NFHS boards as the issue, itself, is handled differently outside the EZ but similarly inside the EZ.
I realize this is an Academic discussion; but, like me, some may find it an interesting exercise…
An article was written recently by a national sports writer about “the dumbest rule that will never be changed until it costs a team in a Championship Game”. It was directed, I think, at the NFL – but the interpretation is consistent in all Codes. I heard about this argument on a sports-radio talk show; and listened to dozens of people trying to “explain” why they agreed the current interpretation is absurd.
The rule in question is the definition of a touchback – specifically when A fumbles or provides the initial force/impetus causing the ball to go into and out of B’s EZ. As I said above, the NCAA and NFHS Codes handle this play differently OUTSIDE the EZ but SIMILARLY when the ball goes into and out of the EZ.
IT’S A TOUCHBACK
The obvious argument to support the current interpretation is that the rule is there to prevent the team in possession from gaining a scoring opportunity by intentionally fumbling the ball into B’s EZ when the runner feels he cannot reach the EZ.
However, the article (and pundits) argue:
1. the ball should be returned to the spot where possession was lost and awarded to the offensive team
2. awarding a TB is unfair since the defense really never recovered (possessed) the ball.
3. team possession remains with A during a loose ball
4. there should be no “mystical” difference between the 1yd line and the goal line
In other words, the pundits want this type of fumble handled the same way the NCAA (if not the NFL) handles fumbles that go forward out of bounds between the goal lines.
Both the Codes are clear that this play is a Touchback; yet the argument really is that there should be no difference between the 100 yards called the “field of play” and the 10 yards called “end zone”. While I obviously find this to be counter-intuitive to the primary objectives of the game, neither Code provides clear verbiage to differentiate between the two areas.
So, if anyone wants to “come out and play”, feel free….