I guess we are looking at hurdling and leaping here. I'll tackle the easy one first. Scenario B is pretty obviously hurdling assuming that B99 jumps with one foot forward (don't really see how he could manage the action described here otherwise). 15 yards and auto 1st, so 1/10 B-45.
Considering that hurdling is a safety foul, I would support flagging scenario A as hurdling. It is highly unlikely that a team A lineman would keep a hand on the ground after the snap, so I would think that the intent of the rule is to make this action hurdling. 1/10 B-45.
Now scenario C is interesting if you disagree with me on scenario A (if you agree, then this too is at least hurdling). Does the leaping rule intend to prevent all jumps before the kick or only jumps actually aimed to block the kick? I would read the language to mean the latter, so I would say that this is not leaping.
Kalle,
You picked up on the crux of the issue, and I would expect nothing less from you. The crux is really in Scenario C, which I'll get to in a moment.
I very deliberately wrote the scenarios to be specific as to whether A66 was, or was not, "on his feet" when B99 committed his jumping action. So, as unlikely as it may be, for the purpose if this discussion, his hand was either on the ground, or not on the ground, as listed in the scenarios. The difference that makes is that this distinguishes whether he is "on his feet," or not, as defined, related to "hurdling."
In A, A66 was clearly NOT on his feet. B99 was able to jump over A66, land, and continue toward A11. By rule, this is not hurdling. And, since there is no kick being attempted, this is not leaping, either. No foul.
In B, A66 was clearly ON his feet. Even though B99 was able to jump over A66 without making contact, this is still a foul for hurdling, as defined.
In C, A66 was, again, NOT on his feet. So, B99's action is not hurdling. But -
and this is the crux of the issue - since it is obvious that Team A will attempt a scrimmage kick, does B99's jumping action default to "leaping" in an attempt to block a kick, even though B99 jumps, lands, and continues toward the spot of the hold well before the kick is made?
As you indicate, if the purpose of the leaping rule is 'safety,' I, personally, would think that this is a foul for leaping, because it is obvious a kick will be made. But, perhaps this is a timing issue. If the jump is made well before the kick is attempted, then does the leaping rule NOT apply? If not, then there is no foul in Scenario C.
I have not had any luck getting Shaw to respond to questions this year, so I am not even going to try. But, this is one for Shaw to address.
BTW, Scenario C happened in a Texas High School game this year, which is what is prompting this discussion. So, those of you out there crying "dream play," and "Oh, that will never happen," I can call BS on that.
