Expert: Vic Winnek - 2/14/2008

Question
This is the given scenario and we were unable to interpret the rules to find out what would happen, was wondering if you could help us out.

Team A throws an interception and Team B has an open path to the end zone. A player from the bench of Team A comes onto the field and tackles the interceptor from Team B prior to crossing the goal line. What would happen in this situation? Team B would retain the ball I assume, but would any penalty really be enforced?

Answer
This is a Rule 9 unfair tactics penalty.  The referee will likely award a TD to Team B.  Since this is OT, the score would likely end the game and B wins.

Jon

This falls play situation falls under the unfair tactics Rule (9-2-3) and has two possible enforcement applications.  The first is to award B a TD.  This is a subjective remedy afforded to the Referee to bring Equity to the game for such acts.  The second penalty could be to penalize team A 15 yards from the basic spot.  Since this is OT [and since this is a return on an interception] the basic spot is either at the spot of the foul or behind it- Depending of the facts and yardlines.  And since it is in OT "B" would not retain the ball at that spot as they would be awarded the Ball (unless they were on offense first to start the OT) the the period would be over.  The likely equitable enforcement under 9-2-3 is to award Team B a score - a TD.   

Unfair Acts
ARTICLE 3. The following are unfair acts:
a. If a team refuses to play within two minutes after ordered to do so by the referee.
b. If a team repeatedly commits fouls that can be penalized only by halving the distance to its goal line.
c. If an obviously unfair act not specifically covered by the rules occurs during the game (A.R. 4-2-1-II).

PENALTY—The referee may take any action he considers equitable,
including assessing a penalty, awarding a score, or
suspending or forfeiting the game.

Under the example of Approved Ruling 4-2-1

I. An inbounds runner bumps into or is touched by a player or game
official on the sideline. RULING: The runner is not out of bounds.

II. Runner A1 is running inbounds near the sideline when he is contacted by a substitute of Team B, who is on the sideline. RULING: Rule 4-2-1 states a player is out of bounds when any part of his person touches anything other than a player or an official. Penalty—15 yards from the basic spot or other illegal-interference penalties (Rules 9-1-4-a and 9-2-3).

I hope this explains the play situation for you.

Best of Luck,

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official
Western Collegiate Football Officials Association