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College Football/intentional grounding

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Expert: - 11/16/2009


Question
Dear Vic,

   My understanding is that it is not intentional grounding if the QB throws outside of the tackles.  Does this mean being outside where the tackles are at the moment the ball is thrown, or where the tackles would be at the start of the play?


Answer
Mike
Under the NCAA rules the "tackle Box" is what establishes the the pocket area for intentional grounding.  The Tackle box is established at the snap, before the play starts, not at the time the passer throws the ball.  

The intentional grounding rule as written states: It is not a foul when the passer, who is or has been outside the tackle box, throws the ball so that it crosses or lands beyond the neutral
zone or neutral zone extended.  The tackle box is the rectangular area enclosed by the neutral zone, the two lines parallel to the sidelines five yards from the snapper, and Team A’s end
line.

So simply stated it is not intentional grounding if the passer throws from outside the area where the tackles were positioned at the snap not at the moment of the pass.

I hope this helps your understanding of the rule.  Thank you for your question.

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official

College Football

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Vic Winnek

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Will Answer all queries RE: Rules of Football - NCAA & Federation; Officiating; Instruction on Football; Mechanics & application of rules; Setting up Instructional programs and clinics for: Officials, coaches and media; Liability Issues (Legal & Insurance questions)arising from coaching, playing, refereeing, product liability. Serve as an Consultant and Expert Witness in Football Related Matters in Tort and Contract (Standard of Care for: officials, coaches, players, assignors, BOD; Player, equipment, field & stadium Safety; Fee issues, independant contractor workers compensation. History of the College football game -its evolution. MY PURPOSE IS TO INFORM & EDUCATE FANS, MEDIA, THOSE INTERESTED IN FOOTBALL ABOUT: THE RULES, THEIR APPLICATION, PHILOSOPHIES; OFFICIATING; LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVING FOOTBALL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO BASHING OF TEAMS, COACHES OR OFFICIALS. I will not dignify rude or disparaging comments with a response, nor entertain questions that use profanity or questions that suggest Football officials are corupt, such an insinuation is ridiculous and ludicrous.

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24 years officiating High School & College football, NCAA Referee, Umpire, Back Judge & Line Judge 2 years Arena Football-substitution official Instructor of NCAA & Federation Officials, Played prep and college football; coached High School football; Athletic trainer; 23 years of instruction in Officiating Football

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