Illegal forward pass?

[Ref813]

I'm a rookie Florida HS official and have a question regarding a flag that I threw during a game but picked up after a discussion with the other officials even though no one seemed to have a sure answer.

The QB was in shotgun and the RB was flexed out to the slot position and was the man in motion during a Jet Sweep. The RB crossed in FRONT of the QB and took the handoff from him. He then proceeded to throw the ball past the LOS for a completion and a first down. I threw a flag and my initial read was that it was an illegal forward pass because the RB took the handoff while crossing the QB's FRONT (1st forward advance of the ball) then advanced the ball a second time. The other officials huddled up and none of them was 100% sure of what the call should be. The referee decided we should pick up the flag but didn't really explain why.

Has anyone made this call before or have any insight as to why the ref just decided to pick up the flag without really explaining it?

[TxSkyBolt]

Forward handing of a ball to the back  behind the LOS is legal and not a forward pass. Good pick up.


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[AlUpstateNY]

Your Referee was right, check NF7-3-2-b.  Forward handoffs, to the designated teammates BEHIND the NZ are legal.

You might also note in the penalty summary, Illegal Handing is a 5 yard penalty AND Loss of Down.

[Ralph Damren]

Welcome to the forum, Ref813, may you find it both enjoyable and informative. Think about the diff of forward handling and forward passing like this :

   Forward handoff that is dropped remains alive and draws a crowd.

   Forward pass that is dropped is dead and doesn't

The two prime examples of illegal forward handling are :

  (1) handling to a interior lineman who has yet to face his goal line.

  (2) handling to a teammate beyond the LOS or after COP.

I've been officiating since 1969...I 've seen this happen twice ......that's once every 22 1/2 years....don't go looking for it..... you'll know it when you see it....

[TxKeith]

First, welcome to the world of football officials. 
Second, You have received very good information on this subject, what I was told about this type of foul is make it big.  Make sure you have space between players and the ball is passed, goes through the air, between players behind LOS.  I have at times given a forward signal on the pass behind LOS, so if there is a second pass down field, it is no surprise when the flag flies.

[HLinNC]

Might want to bone up on the definition of a pass and handing.