Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/16/2008

Question
If the punting team player first to touch the ball, to down it, has come out of the end zone to down the punt,is this a touch back?The player has not been blocked into the end zone,just over ran it and came back out to down it.i.e alabama/ miss state game,Thanks

Answer
Glen, hello!





SECTION 7. Responsibility and Impetus
Responsibility
ARTICLE 1. The team responsible for the ball being out of bounds behind
a goal line or being dead in the possession of a player on, above or behind a
goal line is the team whose player carries the ball or imparts an impetus to
it that forces it on, above or across the goal line, or is responsible for a loose
ball being on, above or behind the goal line (A.R. 6-3-4-I).
Initial Impetus
ARTICLE 2. a. The impetus imparted by a player who kicks, passes, snaps
or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball’s progress in
any direction even though its course is deflected or reversed after striking
the ground or after touching an official or a player of either team (A.R. 6-3-
4-IV; A.R. 8-5-1-II, III, VIII, IX and XI; and A.R. 8-7-2-I-IX).
b. Initial impetus is considered expended and the responsibility for the
ball’s progress is charged to a player:
FR-114 RULE 8-7 / SCORING
1. If he kicks a ball not in player possession or bats a loose ball after it
strikes the ground (Exception: The original impetus is not changed
when a loose ball is batted or kicked in the end zone.) (A.R. 8-7-
2-V).
2. If the ball comes to rest and he gives it new impetus by any contact
with it.
Exceptions:
1. Rules 6-1-4-a and 6-3-4-a (A.R. 6-3-4-I-IV).
2. The original impetus is not changed when a ball at rest in the end
zone is moved when touched by an official or a player.
c. A loose ball retains its original status when there is new impetus


 Thom Brooks