AR 3.1.3.IX

[QAfta]

We had some training on extra periods during our meeting.  In going over extra period rules we discussed the approved rulings.  I have a question on this one:

"Team A's field goal attempt is untouched beyond the neutral zone until B17 muffs it at the five-yard line.  A75 recovers at the three-yard line.  Ruling: Team A's possession series continues; first down for Team A at the three-yard line."

I understand this is the approved ruling so this is what we are supposed to call.   The problem I have is that the continuity of downs is broken (5.1.4.b)  So shouldn't B get the ball at this point or end of extra period?  When B possess the ball after a turnover, and then A get the ball back, Team A doesn't get to continue with the ball.  Why is this different?  I'm glad we went over this in the meeting because I would have gotten it wrong, just want to understand why.

[BenG]

I got this wrong in an exam question at the end of last year/beginning of this.

The way I understand it now (having got the exam question wrong)...

Yes - the continuity of Downs is broken (5-1-4-b), however 3-1-3-e states that Team A may not have a first and 10 if it again possesses the ball after a change of team possession. (Emphasis mine).
The continuity of the series of downs has changed, but team possession has not changed during the down, in AR 3-1-3-IX, Team A end the down in Legal Possession, so they can continue on with their possession series with a new 1st & 10 from where they recovered the ball from.

Had B17 fumbled the ball (having recovered or caught the kick) instead of muffed, then Team A's possession series would be over.

[BankerRef]

Continuity of downs is not the correct term to use here.  Apply 3-1-3-e.  In this case team A has a first down at the end of the down.  There was no change of possession because team B never had possession.  Therefore the possession series continues.

[TXMike]

Continuity of downs and turnover/change of possession are different animals.  The continuity of downs is broken which means A will get a 1st down regardless of what the previous down was.  Example

(Not in Extra periods):
3d and 20 at the B-21.  A attempts a FG on 3d down.  The kick goes haywire and is bounding at the B-15 when B muffs it and A falls on it there.  It will not be 4th down because the continuity of downs in broken.  It will be a first down for A.  There has been no change of possession or turnover.

In Extra periods, if B actually gets possession of the kick and then loses it, A must score during the play or they lose their possession for that "inning".   

[QAfta]

I guess I was trying to over-simplify the end of a half-inning.  "Team A's half-inning is over on the continuity of downs being broken."  But by this ruling the end of a half-inning is really only when a change of possession, a score, or Team A fails to gain a first down.

[BankerRef]

I guess I was trying to over-simplify the end of a half-inning.  "Team A's half-inning is over on the continuity of downs being broken."  But by this ruling the end of a half-inning is really only when a change of possession, a score, or Team A fails to gain a first down.

Keep in mind that continuity of downs is simply talking about the progression of downs 1-2-3-4 within a series.  If team A just gains sufficient yards to make a first down the continuity is broken as well and a new series is awarded.