Expert: Vic Winnek - 9/12/2010

Question
Was just watching the Alabama game (go SEC-though I am mainly LSU)and there was a multiple fumble situation. To me, it appeared the second Alabama player to recover the ball had possession as it was cradled and drawn to his body as he hit the ground.  However, the Penn St. player managed to strip it and it was ruled Penn St.'s ball.  What constitutes control?  Is this strictly a judgment call on the official's behalf or is there a rule for it?  
Since the Alabama player only had control for about a second, could it be a time issue? Thanks for helping a wife share her husband's world!

Answer
Barb
Great question.  In the NCAA rule book the term "possession and control", is not a defined term ["in possession is a defined term"].  "Possession and control" come from the NFL rules and through officiating philosophies, it is used to mean:  Control of the ball that is in the firm grasp of the ball by a player - where the player: Gains possession of a live ball in flight; or leaves his feet and firmly grasps a live ball in flight,
The NCAA rule book uses the following terms "possession and belongs to" as follows:

In Possession
Rule 2-1-5 “In possession means the holding or controlling of a live ball or a ball to  be free-kicked. It may refer either to player possession or team possession.
a. A player gains possession when he secures the ball firmly by holding or controlling it while contacting the ground inbounds. The ball is then in player possession.
b. A team has team possession:
(1) When one of its players is in possession, including when he is
attempting a punt, drop kick or place kick;
(2) While a forward pass thrown by one of its players is in flight; or
(3) During a loose ball if one of its players was last in possession.
c. A team is in legal possession if it has team possession when its players are eligible to catch or recover the ball.

Belongs To
2-1-6. “Belongs to,’’ as contrasted with “in possession,’’ denotes
custody of a dead ball. Such custody may be temporary, because the ball must next be put in play in accordance with rules governing the existing situation.

What constitutes control is based on judgment and officiating philosophies that pertain to the firm grasping of the ball so that the player's grip is not lost.  Time is not a factor we look at although, ultimately the player who ends up with the ball is likely to be awarded the ball.  This technically could be in conflict with the strictest reading of the rules but equity is usually served and supported  by an officiating philosophy that would permit the player who comes up with the ball possession.  As you probably gleamed, Judgement is a key factor.

Great question.