Composite Ball

[biltheref]

The helium filled football is actually lighter than the one filled with air. But only about three grams, or about 0.1 ounces.

Hint to all geeks: PV=nRT

Ahhh.  Take me back to Chemistry and Physics.

[James]

There is an AR that clearly indicates that a team could not substitute a ball on 4th down, but what about free kicks?

On free kicks we will take a ball from the recieving team instead of the kicking team. Then we already have their ball where we want it for the 1st down.

[El Macman]

On free kicks we will take a ball from the recieving team instead of the kicking team. Then we already have their ball where we want it for the 1st down.

When in Rome...

However, while that sounds inconsequential and convenient, it is simply incorrect. Even on free kicks, the ball should be the one for the team that is putting it in play. Same with a try after a TD by Team B - get their ball.

[Kalle]

However, while that sounds inconsequential and convenient, it is simply incorrect. Even on free kicks, the ball should be the one for the team that is putting it in play. Same with a try after a TD by Team B - get their ball.

It is a very rare occasion when team A complains about kicking with the team B ball - and if they do, we'll change (at least here in Finland). And as most of our kicks are returned, it does help speed the game up (our standard of ball boys ranges from nonexistent to excellent, median being on the poor side).

I really did like it when for a couple of seasons we had official game balls which were brought to the game by the officiating crew. No problems with the game balls (except with an occasional lost ball).

[CenTexTM]

At least in Texas, they complain when we don't let them kick with which of their particular balls they want to use.  I can only imagine that using the other team's ball would make the coaches apoplectic.

[Diablo]

On free kicks we will take a ball from the recieving team instead of the kicking team. Then we already have their ball where we want it for the 1st down.

Do y'all do the same on fourth down and a punt is likely?  If not, why not?

[Kalle]

On a fourth down it takes time to get a team B ball. Plus you still have the snapper.

[Rulesman]

...We have the ball boy lay a legal boy at the post...

WHAT  

[mishatx]

What? He said "legal".

[James]

He meant legal ball at the post - so they can just scoop it up after the kick.

As to the question iabout switching the ball for punts (as we do for free kicks) - we don't in my association in Germany, unless it is too wet, but then we will try to take team A's ball - just like any other play.

As to El Macman's post - neither team has a right to dictate which ball(s) to use. We will use the best possible ball available with the least possible delay. It is not incorrect to use a legal and approved team B ball for the FK, and we might or might not get a team B ball for a try after team B scores. It doesn't matter, as all the balls are acceptable.

[El Macman]

It is not incorrect to use a legal and approved team B ball for the FK, and we might or might not get a team B ball for a try after team B scores. It doesn't matter, as all the balls are acceptable.

It does matter, and it is incorrect. Assuming each team has supplied their own game balls, by rule they each have the privilege of playing with the balls they supplied. They don't have the right to select which specific one of the balls they supplied is in the game at any particular time, but they do have the right to use the balls they supplied. That applies to every play in which they put the ball in play, including free kicks and tries. I avoided using this expression earlier, but, with full knowledge of how this statement will be perceived, I'll make it anyway: To use the opponent's game ball for a fee kick, so you'll have it for the next scrimmage play, is just plain lazy. If that's the way it is done in your area, well, like I said, when in Rome... But, you won't see it done that way in an NCAA game.

[Osric Pureheart]

The thought occurs that it would be a very effective way of cutting down Team A's opportunity to try to get a kicking ball into the game...

[Rulesman]

He meant legal ball at the post - so they can just scoop it up after the kick.

I know what he meant, but that's not what he wrote. Bus and I go back a long way. Have you never heard of busting someone's chops?

[Diablo]

He meant legal ball at the post - so they can just scoop it up after the kick.

As another aside ...
Instead of asking the ball person to lay the ball on the ground, tell him to stand at the hash mark pylon near the B and hold the new ball.  Then, after the kick, toss the new ball to the B as he goes up field and the BP can fetch the old one. 

If it is raining or the field is wet, that will keep the new ball dry.  Also, it eliminates the possibility of a player stepping on the ball, as it lays on ground, and breaking an ankle or leg.

[El Macman]

If it is raining or the field is wet, that will keep the new ball dry.  Also, it eliminates the possibility of a player stepping on the ball, as it lays on ground, and breaking an ankle or leg.

Or somehow getting displaced and moved onto the field /end zone, where it interferes with play in some way.