Zebra
Somewhere in, NJ
Male, 62
I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!
In high school and college, a pass would have to be backwards to be legal. Behind the LOS isn't a factor there. A forward pass to an originally ineligible player (by position or number) is illegal.
In the NFL, the rules are more restrictive. To be eligible to receive a forward pass, an ineligible (lineman's number - between 50 and 79) player must report in to the referee and be announced. In that case, the player can receive a forward pass.
Any backward pass can be caught legally by anyone - that's why those end of game multiple "laterals" are legal.
You had a yes answer until you threw in that last line. I'm going to deal with NCAA rules. Rule 1-4-2-e reads: Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game. [Italics added] The obvious reason is deception and unsportsmanlike activity. You could, in theory, have a #80 playing WR and also have an 80 at defensive end. To take it one step further, if you do have two 80's, for example, they cannot be in the gane at the same time.
That's a statistical issue, which officials don't really deal with. My personal understanding is that sacks are rushing attempts.
Good question. I don't have the NFL rule. But using college as a guide, you can't draw excessive attention to yourself (e.g. a choreographed dance, or taking a marker from the goalpost padding and "signing" the ball). My best guess is that the Lambeau Leap pre-dated the rulings about excessive celebration and it is more a sharing/bonding moment with the fans than highlighting the player. If I'm not mistaken, other players have interacted with fans without a penalty.
Obstetrician Gynecologist
Has being an OBGYN affected your own beliefs about when "life" begins?
Veterinarian
Do you think keeping monkeys as pets is a bad idea?
Freelance Writer
No. Although I undrstand your idea. On a kickoff, only the kicker may (technically) be in front of the restrainig line. Especially with "soccer sdtyle" kickers, they often approach from the side. In this case, the generally accepted practice is to pretty much call a do over, which is what they did. No kick, no play.
Don't know. From a "source", the replay people had no qualms about saying no catch once they saw the ball on the ground. On the field, it was ruled differently by the two officials on that sideline. It was "interesting".
First thought: why? You have heated benches and, believe me. it's hard enough leaving them to go on the field if it's cold. There is nothing in the NCAA rule book prohibiting it. But I'm imagining Bud Grant, the old-time coach of the Vikings, spinning in his grave. When the Vikings played outdoors, he didn't allow heated benches. Dugouts or soccer type enclosures? It just ain't football.
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)