Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/23/2009

Question
What is the correct NCAA ruling on the following play description: Offensive team lines up at the opposing teams 30 yard line (70 yards from their goal line). They run the ball around the left end and the running back breaks loose from all the defenders, bolting free towards his end zone. He will apparently score a touchdown and easily does. But while he is running (before he crosses the goal line - he is at about the 15) another offensive player has targeted a player 20 yards behind the runner and just nails him from the side (legal contact - but the player was obviously out of the play). The foul is a 15 yard personal foul penalty but is it from the succeeding spot (live ball treated as a dead ball foul), the spot of the foul, or previous spot. Thanks in advance for your answer.

Answer
Todd, hello!

Officials in high school and lesser ages tend to ignore a foul if it does not affect the play.  The play you mentioned cannot be ignored.  It should be a 15 yard Personal Foul penalty, Live Ball penalty from the spot of the foul.  No score.  The penalty is assessed and the down played again.






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Thom Brooks
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 REFEREE, the Magazine for Sports Officials

National Association of Sports Officials