You are here:

College Football/Change of Possession

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/6/2005


Question
In a recent game my team intercepted a ball and on the return a block in the back was called on our team and an illegal helmet contact on the oposing team. The referee called offsetting penalties and gave them back the ball. I am fairly sure we shoudl have the ball but could not find teh appropriate rule in the ncaa rulebook.What is the correct ruling ? Where would I find this in the rulebook?

2nd Question if a punt snap is fumbled is it still legal to punt? Our referee called this open play and declared it illegal.

Answer
Michael,
I hope I answered your question.  I did not hear back from you.  If there is anything else I can do to clear up the rules, please let me know.
Victor Winnek

Thanks for your questions.
#1 I need more info.  When did the fouls occur and was there a change of possession?  If so did they occur before or after the change of possession?

THe rule you seek is in Rule 10-1-4.

#2  I'm not sure what you mean by an "open play".  Any snap that is muffed or any ball that was fumbled behind the line of scrimmage and remains behind the line of scrimmage and is possessed by the offensive team may be kicked legally.

Thank you,
Victor C. Winnek

PS: where is your team located and what level?  There has to be an explanation as to the official's actions.  

College Football

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Vic Winnek

Expertise

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.

Experience

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

Organizations
Past President of Calif. Football Officials Assoc; Western Collegiate Football Officials Assoc.; CFOA-Long Beach Unit Board of Directors CFOA-South Bay Unit & Long Beach Unit, Pres. Executive Council of Calif. Football Officials Assoc.; CIF Presidents' Council on Officiating; Chairman Ethics Committee

Publications
Referee Magazine; California Football Officials Assoc. Instructor's Guide; NACC Div. 1-AA football officials' clinic; CFOA instrutional materials; Articles written: Line of Scrimmage mechanics, Forward Progress, Side Line Warnings, 2006 NCAA New Timing Rules; various instructional materials, UWLA Law Review

Education/Credentials
BA USC 1987
JD UWLA School of Law 1996
3 Years Reno Football Officials Clinic
4 Years UCLA Football Officials Camp Big 12 Mini Clinic NFL Grass Roots Clinic Aloha Clinic, Honolulu, HI West Coast Alliance Clinic

Awards and Honors
NCAA Div. 1 FCS & Div. III, 9 post season Bowl Games, play-offs, CIF Div. 1,2,3,5,8,9,10,12 Final, 10 years CIF Semi-finals, 19 years of CIF play-offs, California State High School Football Div. 1 Championship, Southern California Jr. College Championship, NCAA Div. III Semi-Final

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.