batting a loose ball

[jlesseig]

Had a situation the other night working as a LJ where a punt had been muffed. The loose ball then bounced toward my sideline.

While it was in between bounces and in the air it crossed my sideline. While in the air a player from K batted it further OOB and toward Rs goal line from an inbound spot.

I did not throw a flag as I deemed the ball to have been clearly OOB in the air when batted.

The ball had not touched anything OOB but I don't recall that being part of the definition of a loose ball being defined as OOB.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[mbyron]

This is illegal batting (9-7-2). The ball is live until it touches something OOB (2-29-3). Crossing the OOB line does not change the status of the ball.

Still, I doubt you got much flak for the call.

[chymechowder]

yeah, illegal batting on Team A. 

ncaa enforcement is 10 yards from the previous spot and replay the down, or tack on 10 yards to the spot where the dead ball would belong to B.

also agree that since the ball was over the OOB area and stayed there, most teams wouldnt be hollering for a flag....but i'm sure team B wouldnt sneeze at the 10 yard tack on.

[mbyron]

ncaa enforcement is 10 yards from the previous spot and replay the down...

NFHS enforcement: the foul occurred during a loose ball play, so the basic spot is the previous spot. The spot of the foul is beyond the basic spot, so if R accepts the penalty we'll enforce the penalty 15 yards from the previous spot and replay the down. If R declines they get the ball at the inbounds spot.

[Curious]

Technically a foul; but it doesn't seem like any advantage was gained.  Good "no call" IMO

[HLinNC]

The ball had not touched anything OOB but I don't recall that being part of the definition of a loose ball being defined as OOB.

4-2-2 e 3 deal with a loose ball touching anything in-bounds.

2-29-3 "A loose ball is out of bounds when it touches anything, including a player or game official that is out of bounds.'

[jlesseig]

Thanks all for your feedback.

Getting back in the book I see the technical side but also appreciate the judgement call support.

Every bit of feedback helps me improve.

//jay