Holding 2 yards deep in the EZ

[NVFOA_Ump]

Following a punt we have A ball 1st and 10 at the A 4 yard line.  QB A-12, under center, takes snap and hands off to A-22 on a run up the middle which loses 2 yards.  DB spot is the A 2 yard line.  During the play we have a flag for a hold on TE A-87 vs B-52.  Spot of the foul is 2 yards deep inside the EZ.  During the play the ball was never in the EZ.  What are B's options here and what are the rule references?

[GA Umpire]

Following a punt we have A ball 1st and 10 at the A 4 yard line.  QB A-12, under center, takes snap and hands off to A-22 on a run up the middle which loses 2 yards.  DB spot is the A 2 yard line.  During the play we have a flag for a hold on TE A-87 vs B-52.  Spot of the foul is 2 yards deep inside the EZ.  During the play the ball was never in the EZ.  What are B's options here and what are the rule references?

I'll try.
B can refuse the holding penalty and take the result of the play.  2nd and 12.
B can take the penalty and have 1st and 12.  Penalty enforced from the previous spot.
8-5-1c; 9-2-1; 10-1-5; 10-4-2d

[SDR]

Normally, a foul by Team A behind the LOS is enforced from the previous spot.  According to Rule 10-4-4e, though, the enforcement spot is the spot of the foul when Team A commits any foul in his end zone for which the penalty is accepted.  In the current Reddings NFHS Study Guide (p. 124), there is a reminder that "it is the location of the foul that matters, not from where the penalty by the offense would normally be enforced."  So, I'd say the options for Team B are to decline the penalty, making it 2nd & 12 at the 2-yard line, or accept the penalty, which results in a safety.

[GA Umpire]

I stand corrected.

[NVFOA_Ump]

I stand corrected.

Ralph, we need help.  Can't we simplify rule 10 and straighten out the mess that we still have?  Reading the rules here is as circular as it gets.  It was my understanding that based on the "2024 clarifications" to the 2023 rules changes the only spot fouls behind the LOS on A that would result in enforcement from the spot of the foul all were related to the ball possession/location ie:  Illegal Kicking, Illegal Forward Pass, Illegal Touching, Illegal Grounding.  Also, as was always the case, fouls by A in the EZ while the ball is in A's possession in the EZ.

[bama_stripes]

Ralph, we need help.  Can't we simplify rule 10 and straighten out the mess that we still have?  Reading the rules here is as circular as it gets.  It was my understanding that based on the "2024 clarifications" to the 2023 rules changes the only spot fouls behind the LOS on A that would result in enforcement from the spot of the foul all were related to the ball possession/location ie:  Illegal Kicking, Illegal Forward Pass, Illegal Touching, Illegal Grounding.  Also, as was always the case, fouls by A in the EZ while the ball is in A's possession in the EZ.

For some mysterious reason, Illegal Touching was left out of the list of spot fouls in 10-4-4.

[NVFOA_Ump]

For some mysterious reason, Illegal Touching was left out of the list of spot fouls in 10-4-4.

No, hard to believe, an ambiguity/error in rule 10?  Say it ain't so!

[SDR]

I'm not sure, but maybe the reason illegal touching is not on the "spot of the foul" list in Rule 10-4-4 is because illegal touching is a penalty for a LEGAL forward pass being illegally touched.  The "spot of the foul" plays in Rule 10-4-4 all deal with illegal forward passes.  Having said that, I don't really know why that should make a difference.

[Ralph Damren]

Guys, while 10-5-3 , 8--5-2c and Fundamental X-6, give support for a safety for fouls by A in it's EZ and could be a little clearer. Illegal touching isn't on the laundry lists of spot fouls is if the touching occurred beyond the LOS (by an inelligble reciever) it is considered a loose ball foul. As SDR said, the pass was legal, the touching was not. If the IT was caused by a QB about to be sacked bouncing the ball off big ole' Bubb's (OL) butt one could consider applying 7-5-2d :"A pass intentionally thrown into an area ont occupied by an eligible offensive reciever..) and have IG 

[bama_stripes]

If the IT was caused by a QB about to be sacked bouncing the ball off big ole' Bubb's (OL) butt one could consider applying 7-5-2d :"A pass intentionally thrown into an area ont occupied by an eligible offensive reciever..) and have IG 

That’s exactly what we’d have ‘round these parts.  Despite the wording of Rule 2-44, we ignore touching by an ineligible in or behind the NZ unless it’s intentional.