Team or crowd rushes field

[bossman72]

Last play of the game.  QB appears to be sacked, but fumbles the ball.  The defensive team rushes onto the field in celebration.  A34 picks up the ball and starts to run to the end zone.  He gets tackled short.  The non-players on the field (a) were around the play, but didn't really affect it; or (b) were around the play and affected it.

FED and NCAA answers please.

[Kalle]

a) If they really did not have any effect, then it is five yards from the succeeding spot, dead ball foul, game over or go to the extra periods. 9-2-5.

b) Touchdown for team A. 9-2-3-a.

[goodgrr]

a) If they really did not have any effect, then it is five yards from the succeeding spot, dead ball foul, game over or go to the extra periods. 9-2-5.

Ignoring rules here for a second, I'd have to argue that people on the field would have an effect (mentally if not physically). The effect of which couldn't be assessed fully, i.e. the runner may have got in if he'd not thought about running one way but seeing more people changed direction; or his team mates thinking it may be over because of the people flooding the field eased up on blocks or didn't chase down with him....

As a result I'd say that A should have one play from where they finished with the ball (plus the penalty 15/half distance USC).

This is from a morally right stand point and not a rules supported one.

[bbeagle]

As a result I'd say that A should have one play from where they finished with the ball (plus the penalty 15/half distance USC).

This is from a morally right stand point and not a rules supported one.

I would agree, but I think that it IS rule supported with 9-9-1 (Unfair act).

[goodgrr]

I assume that's Fed rules?  I don't seem to have a 9-9-1 in mine (UK version of NCAA)

[bkdow]

There are so many judgement things that come into play here before unfair act.  Where was it snapped, where was the runner tackled, and where were the players on the field.  It's hard to discuss a largely judgemental call without more details in the decision parameters.

[VALJ]

And no matter what you decide, someone ain't gonna be happy.

"Officiating is like standing between two five-year-olds holding one ice cream cone."

I do not include AB in this statement.

[Kalle]

This is from a morally right stand point and not a rules supported one.

It is supported by the (NCAA) rule. The referee may take any action that he feels equitable. If you feel that treating the foul as a "simple" USC is equitable enough, then go with it.

I personally think that if the runner is stopped close to the goal line, the equitable penalty is to award the score, but this is a judgement call.

The OP did not really specify what "rushing the field" means. If they are simply on the field outside their own team area with the play going to the other side, they probably aren't interfering with the play. But this is a call where when in doubt the non-players did interfere.