Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/30/2009

Question
I understand that there are only three parts of the body that may be in contact with the ground or else the runner is considered down.
These are: the feet, the palm side of the hand and the top of the helmet. Is this correct?

Answer
Phil, hello!

The runner is down if any part of his body other than the palm and feet touches the ground.

If the runner's knee or elbow, or parts of the leg and arm, were to touch, the ball is dead.

I saw a runner use the football to balance yesterday and kept running.

If a player's head hits the ground, the probability is that his shoulders would also hit, which makes the ball dead.  The rules states only the hand and foot.  








Take Care,

Thom Brooks
www.BrooksInsuranceSchool.com
Savannah Adult Baseball League

Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band! Listen2Three.com


The Official Web Site of the NCAA - NCAA.org - NCAA.org



http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828...

ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf

Rivals.com

D1AFootball.com



REFEREE, the Magazine for Sports Officials


National Association of Sports Officials