Penalty Enforcement

Penalty Enforcement Brad RichardsonJohn O’NeillChicago Football Officials ClinicJuly 14, 2007

How and when a penalty is completed • when it’s accepted, declined or canceled according to rule or when choice is obvious to R (NCAA only) • Any penalty may be declined (DQ’d players must leave the game) • Penalty must be completed before ball is declared RFP • Penalties as stated are not enforced if in conflict with other rules • Simultaneous with snap • Fouls that occur simultaneous w/ snap or free kick are considered to have occurred during that down. (NCAA exception: 3-5-2-e: Team A can’t rush to the LOS in hopes of creating defensive disadvantage) • 2 or more live-ball fouls by the same team: • After R’s explanation, team may elect only one of the penalties • UNS fouls occur, penalty (ies) is (are) administered from succeeding spot as established by the acceptance / declination of the penalty for any other foul • Offsetting fouls • Live ball fouls by both teams – penalties cancel and down is replayed • Exceptions: • COP during a down or at the end of a down by rule, the team last gaining possession may decline offsetting fouls and keep the ball after completion of their penalty if they had not fouled before last gaining possession • a.k.a – “Clean hands” principle Penalty EnforcementPenalties Completed

Penalty EnforcementPenalties Completed • 4. Offsetting fouls (cont’d) • PSK situations – Team B may decline offsetting fouls and accept PSK enforcement • When a live-ball foul is administered as a dead-ball foul: • does NOT offset and is enforced in order of occurrence. • NCAA 3-1-3-g-1 & 8-3-4-c: If there are offsetting fouls during a try or extra period, whether one or both occur after Team B possession, the down is NOT replayed. • Dead Ball fouls • administered separately and in order of occurrence (if order can be determined) • Remember: same team: dead ball fouls STACK; both teams: dead ball fouls NET • if order cannot be determined, fouls offset, number or type of down est. before fouls occur is unaffected and penalties are cancelled (DQ’s must leave the game). • Live-Ball – Dead-ball fouls • when a live-ball foul by one team is followed by dead-ball foul(s) by either team, penalties are administered separately and in the order of occurrence. • Interval fouls • Fouls that occur between end of regulation and start of extra periods are enforced from succeeding spot in extra periods.

Penalty EnforcementDeclining Penalties • Federation: Any penalty or the distance portion of any penalty can be declined, except in a double foul situation. • If the team last gaining possession declines it’s opponent’s foul, the remaining penalty cannot be declined. • NCAA: Any penalty may be declined, but the entire penalty must be declined. There is no exception for offsetting fouls. • Example: A 21-20 :03 on the clock Q4. A 4/1 A45. A1 fumbles while handing off to A2 and A7 holds while the ball is loose. B1 recovers and advances to the A1, where he is downed. During B1’s advance, B2 clips at the A10 and time expires during the down. • B fouled after it gained possession (got the ball with “clean hands”). They decline A7’s foul to prevent offsetting fouls. Team A captain then wishes to decline B2’s foul. • Federation: Once B declines A’s foul, there are no more choices. The remaining penalty must be enforced as both cannot be declined. After the enforcement for the clip, it’s B 1/10 A25 – untimed down. • NCAA: If B declines A’s foul, A can decline B’s foul and the game would be over.

Spots • Enforcement spots are: • Previous spot – exact spot where ball was last put in play • Spot of the foul – yard line where the foul was committed • Succeeding spot – where ball will next be put in play (Including KO’s and extra periods) : • Enforce all dead ball fouls from here • Spot where run ends – several spots qualify as the end of the run: • Place where ball in player possession becomes dead; • Momentum spot; • Spot where a runner fumbles the ball; • Spot where a runner is downed after fumble recovery (end of last run); • Spot where the ball is handed; • Where a backward pass is thrown; • Spot where an illegal forward pass is thrown • Spot where scrimmage kick comes in player possession or is declared dead by rule. • Then there’s the Basic Spot . . . . . . . Penalty EnforcementEnforcement Procedures Accurate bag or flag placement (when required) is key

Penalty EnforcementThe Basic Spot Basic Spot • Is not an additional spot on the field. Rather, it serves as a benchmark for 3-and-1 (a.k.a. “all-but-one”) penalty enforcement. • 3-and-1 principle applies only when the enforcement spot is not specified as a part of the statement of the penalty. • Examples: • Fouls occurring in conjunction w/ snap (e.g. DOF, ILF, ILM) are previous spot enforcement • KCI has spot of foul enforcement • DPI can be a spot foul enforcement (NCAA only) • Except for Post Scrimmage kick enforcement, the basic spot is always either: • The End of the Run, or • The Previous Spot • (The End of the Kick is the Basic Spot in Post Scrimmage Kick enforcement.)

Penalty EnforcementThe Basic Spot • End of the Run is the Basic Spot: • On running plays when the run ends beyond the NZ, and • When there is no NZ (i.e. kick returns, interception returns, etc.) • Previous Spot is the Basic Spot: • On running plays when the run ends behind the NZ (NCAA only) • Legal forward pass plays • Free kicks • Scrimmage kicks other than Post scrimmage kick enforcement Basic Spot

Penalty EnforcementThe 3-and-1 Principle Foul by Team: In Possession Not In Possession Beyond Basic Spot * Beyond Basic Spot * Basic Spot Behind Basic Spot ** Behind Basic Spot * * (3) Penalize from Basic Spot ** (1) Penalize from Spot of the Foul

Penalty EnforcementRunning Play Run ends beyond NZ, basic enforcement spot is end of related run. FMK Foul occurs by team in possession behind basic spot is enforced from spot of foul OH Neutral Zone FM, IUH, H, IBW, PF – Previous spot - NCAA Safety

Penalty EnforcementRunning Play - NCAA Neutral Zone Run ends behind NZ before COP, basic enforcement spot is previous spot FM, IUH, H, IBW, PF – Previous spot Safety

Penalty EnforcementRunning Play – Federation During plays from scrimmage, live ball fouls by the offense are enforced under the “all-but-one” principle (NCAA: 3-and-1 principle), except for those simultaneous with the snap. Neutral Zone Run ends behind NZ, basic enforcement spot – spot of the foul. FM, IUH, H, IBW, PF – Spot of the foul Safety

Penalty EnforcementRunning Play – No Neutral Zone When there is no NZ (kick return, fumble or interception return) basic enforcement spot is end of related run INT or Punt return OH FMK Foul occurs by team in possession behind basic spot is enforced from spot of foul EOR Foul occurs by team in possession in advance of the basic spot – end of the related run Clip

Penalty EnforcementPass Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward pass play is the previous spot, EXCEPT: Roughing-the-passer on a completed forward pass from the end of the LAST run when that run ends beyond the NZ w/ no COP during the down. Automatic first down. EOR DPI Team B DPI spot foul (< 15 yds. from LOS) – NCAA only A85 Neutral Zone RPS FM, IUH, H, IBW, PF – Previous Spot – NCAA (offset) A12 Safety (offset)

Penalty EnforcementPass Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward pass play is the previous spot, EXCEPT: Recovered by A28 Roughing-the-passer on a completed forward pass from the end of the LAST run when that run ends beyond the NZ w/ no COP during the down. Automatic first down. fumble Neutral Zone A85 RPS FM, IUH, H, IBW, PF – Previous Spot – NCAA (offset) A12 Safety (offset)

Penalty EnforcementPass Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward pass play is the previous spot A fumbles ball through EZ In these scenarios, there is a change of possession during the down. As a result, the penalty is enforced from the previous spot, automatic 1st down (Clock on snap). B recovers X X Neutral Zone A18 A85 A12 RPS RPS

Penalty EnforcementKicking Plays – before possession is gained or regained The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal free or scrimmage kick play before possession is gained or regained or ball becomes dead by rule – Previous spot. Exceptions: Kick Catch Interference – Spot foul, 15 yards. Block or foul after valid or invalid signal for a fair catch by Team B player who signaled for a fair catch during a free kick and had not touched the ball – spot foul. • Team A (K) fouls during kick plays will be assessed from: • the previous spot, or • b) spot where subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (other than field goal attempts) – new in 2007 Neutral Zone K

Penalty EnforcementKicking Plays – NCAA New Rule 2007 Situation - A kickoff untouched by Team B (R) goes out of bounds after illegal touching by Team A (K). Team A (K) commits a holding foul during the kick • Team B (R) has these options: (NCAA 2007: 10-2-2-e-Exception 7) • It may snap the ball at the spot of the illegal touching (thus declining any Team A foul(s)); • accept a 10-yard penalty from the previous spot with Team A re-kicking; • snap the ball 10-yards beyond the spot where the ball went out of bounds; • or snap the ball 35 yards beyond Team A’s restraining line. 4 4 0 0 K11 Holds K10 Illegal Touch K11 3 3 0 0 K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9

Penalty EnforcementScrimmageKick Plays – Offsetting fouls • If both teams commit live-ball fouls, these fouls offset and the down is replayed. • Exceptions (10-1-4): • When team B’s foul calls for postscrimmage kick enforcement, Team B may decline offsetting fouls and accept postscrimmage kick enforcement EOK IBW • Enforcement tips: • Crew: take your time! • Calling officials: be precise in delivering your information (teams, not colors; get the number) Neutral Zone K holds K

Penalty EnforcementKicking Plays – before possession is gained or regained - Federation The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal free or scrimmage kick play before possession is gained or regained or ball becomes dead by rule – Previous spot. Exceptions: Block or foul after valid or invalid signal for a fair catch by Team B player who signaled for a fair catch during a free kick and had not touched the ball – spot foul. • Kick Catch Interference – Either: • 15 yds. from previous spot, or • accept awarded fair catch with no yardage penalty assessed. • Note: receiver may be contacted immediately if he muffs the ball. Neutral Zone K

Penalty EnforcementKicking Plays – Post Scrimmage Kick Enforcement The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal scrimmage kick is the spot where the kick ends WHEN TEAM B FOULS OCCUR: NOTE: When the scrimmage kick ends in the end zone, the PSK spot is the 20-yard line. • during scrimmage kick plays (other than trys or successful field goals and during extra periods). • during a scrimmage kick play in which the ball crosses the NZ. • three + yards beyond the NZ • before the end of the kick • when Team A is not in possession of the ball when the down ends • Fouls that occur behind the PSK are spot fouls. • In OT and during trys, when there are fouls that would otherwise be treated as PSK rules, the penalties are enforced from the previous spot EOK B holds < 3 yds. B holds Previous Spot Neutral Zone K

Penalty EnforcementPost Scrimmage Kick Enforcement - Federation The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal scrimmage kick is the spot where the kick ends WHEN TEAM B FOULS OCCUR: NOTE: When the scrimmage kick ends in the end zone, the PSK spot is the 20-yard line. • during scrimmage kick plays (other than trys). • During the interval between the snap and the end of the kick. • Beyond the expanded NZ • maximum of two yards beyond the defensive line of scrimmage. • when Team A is not in possession of the ball when the down ends • Fouls that occur behind the PSK are spot fouls. EOK B holds Expanded NZ B holds Previous Spot Neutral Zone K

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Downs with a Change of Possession and the Goal line Foul by opponents of the team in possession after change of team possession (not on a try) in the field of play when run ends behind goal line – enforce from goal line Foul by opponents of the team in possession after change of team possession in the EZ (not on a try) when run ends behind goal line and any subsequent loose ball is recovered in the FOP – enforce from goal line. Exception: If momentum rule applies, enforce foul from momentum spot Fouls that occur after change of team possession (not on a try) in the EZ and the ball remains in the EZ where it’s declared dead – enforce from the 20-yard line. (Result of play is TB) INT Foul by team in possession – safety (would result in offset) – clock on snap) FMK INT FMK COP FMK

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Downs with a Change of Possession and the Goal line Punt receiver B19 catches punt at his 9-yard line, circles back into his EZ, where A82 tackles him by the facemask (FMM). Momentum does not apply – B 1/10 B15 A 3/G B9. B17 intercepts in EZ and, during his run while still in the EZ, A19 clips B85 in EZ. While still in EZ, B17 fumbles ball forward where A26 recovers at the B2. B 1/10 B15 A 2/5 B15. B28 intercepts at B4 where his original momentum takes him into the EZ, where A80 tackles him by the facemask (FMK) – momentum applies. B 1/10 B9 A 3/15 B25. B28 intercepts pass while grounded in B’s EZ. A82 hits B28 after whistle. (Result of play is touchback.)B1/10 B 35. While ball is loose, B8 holds A65 in EZ – offset / replay. Clock on snap COP INT DB - PF FMK INT CLP

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Downs with a Change of Possession and the Goal line Foul by opponents of the team in possession after change of team possession in the EZ (not on a try) when run ends behind goal line and any subsequent loose ball is recovered in the FOP by the team that was fouled – enforce from end of the related run. (Result of play is NOT TB) Foul by opponents of the team in possession after change of team possession in the EZ (not on a try) when run ends behind goal line and ball is fumbled forward OOB – enforce from 20-yard line (result of play is a touchback – return to spot of fumble) Foul by team in possession - safety Foul by team in possession - safety COP FMK COP FMK

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Downs with a Change of Possession and the Goal line B 28 intercepts pass in EZ, while still in the EZ, A80 grabs and releases his facemask (FMK) and in the process fumbles the ball, where it rolls OOB at the A3 – B 1/10 B25 B 28 intercepts in the EZ. While still in the EZ, A 80 grabs and twists him by the facemask (FMM), B28 fumbles ball and it’s recovered by B 22 at the A4. B1/10–A15 B 28 intercepts in the EZ. While being tackled by the facemask, he fumbles ball forward where it’s recovered by B22 at the A4. B30 held A80 in the EZ while ball was loose – Offset / replay While ball is loose, B 22 holds A 85 to prevent him from recovering – offset / replay. Clock on snap COP FMK COP FMM

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Downs with a Change of Possession and the Goal line CLP CLP B28 intercepts pass (not a try) in his EZ, but does not get out of EZ. During his run, B17 clips A65 at A14 yard line. – result of play is touchback. Penalize from basic spot (A14) B28 intercepts pass (not a try) in his EZ, but does not get out of EZ. During his run, B17 clips A65 at A25 yard line. – result of play is touchback. Penalize from basic spot (A20) COP COP

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Trys Before Change of Team Possession - NCAA • Fouls by Team B on a try: • Team A: decline score and repeat try after enforcement or decline foul and accept score. • Team A: may accept score w/ ANY PF enforced on subsequent KO (if there is one) or from succeeding spot in OT (if B fouls during try after time has expired). • All fouls are enforced on subsequent KO – Federation. • Replay of the try may be from anywhere between inbounds lines on succeeding spot. • Fouls by Team A on a try: • Ball will be next snapped where the penalty leaves it (privilege of replaying from any point between inbounds lines only applies to Team B fouls). • LOD fouls: try is over, score is cancelled, no yardage penalty is assessed on succeeding KO. • If Team A player fouls before COP and there is no other COP during the down, penalty is declined or becomes offsetting foul. • Dead ball enforcement • Fouls after RFP and before snap: penalize before snap • Live balls treated as dead balls during try: succeeding spot (either KO or OT) • Roughing / Running into kicker: treat as live-ball foul. • KCI: either declined or becomes offsetting foul (Team A score is canceled.)

Penalty EnforcementFouls During and After Scoring Plays • Fouls by Team B during a touchdown, field goal or try: • Opponents of the scoring team commit a personal foul that is not offset: • Enforce foul on the try or Succeeding KO (only if there is a succeeding kickoff*) – NCAA and Federation (new in 2007) • Federation: any foul, not just personal foul • * Last down of 4th quarter. A scores a touchdown. An opponent of scoring team commits a PF during the down. • Penalty must be enforced on the try as there is no succeeding kickoff. • Non-scoring team commits any other type of foul: • Penalty is declined by rule and the score counts. • NCAA: Post scrimmage kick enforcement does not apply when there is a successful field goal during regulation play. • Team A can decline the penalty and accept the score or void the score and Team B will be penalized at the previous spot. (AR 10-2-2-XXIV) • Live ball treated as dead ball and dead ball fouls after field goal are treated at the succeeding spot

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Trys After Change of Team Possession - NCAA • Fouls During a Try after Team B Possession • Distance penalties against either team are declined by rule. • A score by a team committing a foul during the down is canceled. • If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B possession, the down is not replayed. • Fouls After a Try • Are enforced at succeeding spot (either KO or OT) B34 intercepts conversion pass and returns 103 yds. for 2-pt. score. B28 commits an IBW in end zone during the return– No score, penalty declined by rule ILF INT IBW

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Trys After Change of Team Possession - Federation • Fouls During a Try after Team B Possession • The ball is dead as soon as the defense gains possession. Therefore, it is impossible to have a live ball foul committed after a change of team possession. • Any foul is treated as a dead ball foul and is enforced as such. B34 intercepts conversion pass and returns 103 yds. for 2-pt. safety. B28 commits an IBW in end zone during the return– Blow ball dead after possession ILF INT IBW

Penalty EnforcementFouls During Extra Periods • Fouls after a change of team possession: • Distance penalties by either team are declined by rule • Exceptions: Dead ball fouls and live ball fouls penalized as dead ball fouls are enforced on the succeeding spot. • Scores by a team committing a foul during the down are canceled. • If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B possession, the down is not replayed. • Federation • The ball is dead as soon as the defense gains possession. Therefore, it is impossible to have a live ball foul committed after a change of team possession. • Any foul is treated as a dead ball foul and is enforced as such.

Penalty EnforcementHalf the Distance Provision - NCAA Except in certain instances of DPI, no penalty may leave the ball closer than half the distance from the enforcement spot to the fouling team’s goal line, including PAT’s. Exception: DPI’s where ball is snapped between B’s 17-yard line and 2-yard line: - these fouls are given their full yardage such that the ball is never placed inside the 2-yard line Ball snapped at B17. DPI in EZ. 15 yds. Previous spot – Automatic First Down 1 0 DPI 0 1 Ball snapped at B17. DPI at B 8. Spot foul – Automatic First down DPI

Penalty EnforcementHalf the Distance Provision - Federation No penalty may leave the ball closer than half the distance from the enforcement spot to the fouling team’s goal line, including PAT’s. Ball snapped at B17. DPI in EZ. Half the distance from the previous spot A 1/G B 8 ½ - automatic first down 1 0 DPI 0 1 Ball snapped at B17. DPI at B 8. Half the distance from the previous spot – A 1/G B 8 ½ - automatic first down DPI

Penalty Enforcement