Yeah yeah. I was already corrected on this over on the Fed site. It would be nice if the rules book was a little more consistent, however. They've felt this was an unfair act for a while now, but have done nothing to codify it other than tossing in a casebook scenario. At least put something in the Special Enforcements section to note that this type of USC is enforced differently (i.e. from the previous spot) than "normal" USC's.
So you used to think that this was a normal USC foul? Other than an unfair act this is how a player gets a USC foul. Wrong ball type plays don't fit under any of them.
SECTION 5 NONCONTACT UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BY PLAYERS
ART. 1 . . . No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the officials
assume authority for the contest. Examples are, but not limited to:
a. Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia worn which engenders ill will.
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed
to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the
basis of race, religion, gender or national origin.
b. Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
c. Any delayed, excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to
focus attention upon himself.
d. Using disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap in an attempt to
interfere with A’s signals or movements.
e. Kicking at the ball, other than during a legal kick.
f. Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or
unless with permission of an official.
g. Refusing to comply with an official’s request.
h. Using tobacco or smokeless tobacco.
There is no way that this play would be a normal USC foul. The only way it can be a foul is as an unfair act.
SECTION 9 UNFAIR ACTS
ART. 1 . . . A player or nonplayer or person(s) not subject to the rules shall not
hinder play by an unfair act which has no specific rule coverage.
ART. 2 . . . No team shall repeatedly commit fouls which halve the distance to
the goal line.
ART. 3 . . . No player shall hide the ball under a jersey.
ART. 4 . . . No player shall use a kicking tee in violation of Rule 1-3-4.
ART. 5 . . . Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the
referee, tends to make a travesty of the game.
So yes, unfair acts are a type of USC fouls but they are penalized differently.
SECTION 5 SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT RULES
ART. 1 . . . The following fouls have special enforcement provisions and options for the offended team:
c. Unfair acts. (see 9-9)
In the end it's all good. Now I can flag for USC and not worry about the offending team keeping any resulting score!
You needed the case play to know that you shouldn't allow the score? It is an unfair act. You don't allow teams to commit unfair acts and score. The team committed an unfair act which allowed them to score a touchdown and you can enforce any penalty you feel like and you decide to let them keep the score and enforce the USC from the succeeding spot. That is just crazy.
PENALTY: Unfair act – the referee enforces any penalty he considers equitable, including the award of a score – (S27).
