Here is a play that was bought up from our association. It has created somewhat of a buzz in regards to the results of the play along with proper enforcement.
Here is an interesting play provided to me this past week: A81 is fighting thru a tackle at B's 3-yard line. As he is falling forward, B31 punches the ball from his grasp, and a) The ball bounces in the end zone and is batted out of the end zone by B50, or b) B50 bats the ball out of bounds before it touches the ground. Rules that Apply: First we need to know the definition of "batting." Rule 2-2 states, BATTING, is intentionally slapping or striking the ball with the arm or hand. Simple enough. Rule 2-13-1 FORCE) states, 1) Force is the result or energy exerted by a player which provides movement of the ball. The term force is used only in conjunction with the goal line and in only one direction i.e., from the field of play into the end zone. Initial force results from a carry, fumble, kick pass or snap. After a fumble, kick or backward pass has been grounded a new force may result from a bat, an illegal kick or a muff. 2) Responsibility for forcing the ball from the field of play across the goal line is attributed to the player who carries, snaps, passes, fumbles or kicks the ball, unless a new force is applied to either a kick, fumble or backward pass that has been grounded. 3) The muffing or batting of a pass, kick or fumble in flight is not considered a new force. Rule 8-5-2b states, It is a SAFETY when: b) A player who is either in the field of play or in his end zone, forces a loose-ball from the field of play to or across his goal line by his kick, pass, fumble, snap or by a new force to a grounded loose-ball ..... Rule 9-7-2 states, No player shall bat a loose-ball other than a pass or a fumble in flight, or a low scrimmage kick in flight which he is attempting to block in or behind the expanded neutral zone. Exception: A K player may bat toward his own goal line a grounded scrimmage kick which is beyond the neutral zone and may also bat towards his own goal line a scrimmage kick in flight beyond the neutral zone, if no R player is in position to catch the ball. Answers: In play "A" the ball is bouncing in the end zone when batted through the end zone by B. The penalty for the illegal bat by B in their end zone results in a safety. The following kick by B will be from their 20-yard line. The safety assessed for B's illegal bat is the penalty. Answer B: Touchback
Because of the buzz that was created, here is the first rebuttal:
Here is the explanation that was provided: The correct answer is team A has two choices, 1) they can accept the result of the play which is a safety (the ball is illegally batted out of the end zone by team B), or 2) have the penalty for batting enforced from the end of the run (where the fumble occurred). One of the sticking issues centered around force. As explained to me, Force only applies to the ball entering the end zone (which all of us know). It has no bearing on the play after it has entered the end zone. There is no question the illegal batting by B is an infraction in the end zone which if accepted results in a Safety. If A does not accept the result of the play, the penalty is enforced from the end of the run (replay the down after assessing the penalty).
This created a 2nd rebuttal:
After receiving several inquires regarding the last batting rule interpretation the rule was revisited. A correction is required regarding the batting rule interpretation.
After several discussions with several knowledgeable football rule individuals, a correct interpretation has been reached. Here is the correct ruling: A's fumble DID put the ball in the end zone (8-5-3c). B obviously had nothing to do with the ball crossing their goal line. Therefore, when B bats it out of the end zone, that is when the foul occurs, AND the resulting play is a touchback. Team A will more than likely accept the batting penalty which will be enforced from the basic spot (the spot of the fumble) and the down will be replayed. Hopefully this finally clears up any confusion you may have had. I want to thank those of you who questioned the previous rulings. That is how we all learn. Remember, the important thing is to get the call and enforcement right.
There seems to be some sort of inequity in regards to the result of the play-touchback versus safety.
Please review and offer your insight.
