PLAYS FOR RULE CHANGE TO 10-4-6 AND 10-4-7

A new rule for 2007 changes the basic spot of enforcement for penalties in cases where there exists:

1. a change of team possession during the down

2. a foul occurs after possession has changed

3. a related run after possession changes which ends in the end zone

And

4. the related run is followed by a loose ball.

All elements mentioned above must be present for the rule change to apply. The rule change states the basic spot of enforcement will be the 20 yard line for cases where Team A caused the ball to enter the end zone (i.e. via a fumble into the end zone or a forward pass thrown into the end zone which becomes intercepted by Team B). The basic enforcement spot for penalty enforcement shall be the goal line in situations where Team B is responsible for the ball being in the end zone (i.e. Team B intercepts the ball on the 5 yard line and retreats into the end zone during the return).

The following plays are offered to show proper enforcements.

Play 1

B1 intercepts a forward pass in his end zone. While B1 is running in the end zone, A44 grabs the face mask and twists the head of B1, causing B1 to fumble. The loose ball goes across the goal and into the field of play where it is recovered by B45 on the 5 yard line.

RULING

A personal foul on A44 is called. Since Team A caused the ball to enter the end zone, the basic spot of enforcement becomes the 20 yard line. Team B is given the option of declining the penalty and the taking the result of the play (least attractive option) OR assessing the 15 yard foul from the 20 yard line and B starting a new series from the 35 (most attractive option).

Play 2

B1 intercepts a forward pass in his end zone. While B1 is running in the end zone, B75 blocks A60 in the back at the 10 yard line. B1 is then hit in the end zone and fumbles. The loose ball goes across the goal and into the field of play where it goes out of bounds on the 8 yard line.

RULING

An illegal block foul is called on B75. Team A is given the option of declining the penalty and taking the result of the play (least attractive option) OR accepting the penalty (basic spot is the 20, foul occurred behind the basic spot, enforcement is from the spot of the foul) and measuring half the distance to the goal from the 10 yard line. B would then start a new series from the 5 yard line (most attractive option).

Play 3

B1 recovers A32’s fumble at the B10 yard line. In an attempt to break a long return, B1 retreats into his own end zone where he is grabbed by the face mask by A66, causing B1 to fumble. The ball is recovered by A32 in the end zone.

RULING

A personal foul is called on A66. Team B is given the option of declining the penalty with the result of the play being a touchdown for Team A (least attractive option) OR accepting the penalty and measuring 15 yards from the goal line with B starting a new series at the B15 yard line (most attractive option). Since the run by B1 caused the ball to enter the end zone, the basic spot for penalty enforcement is the goal line.

Play 4

B1 recovers A32’s fumble at the B10 yard line. In an attempt to break a long return, B1 retreats into his own end zone to avoid being tackled by A66. During the run by B1, player B20 blocks A12 below the waist at the 5 yard line. B1, while still in his end zone, pitches the ball to teammate B7 who runs to the B30 yard line where he is tackled.

RULING

A foul for Blocking below the waist is called on B20. Team A is given the option of declining the penalty and Team starting a new series on the B30 yard line (least attractive option) OR accepting the penalty and being awarded a safety (most attractive option). Since Team B caused the ball to enter the end zone and then committed a foul (with the related run ending in the end zone), the basic spot is the goal line. The enforcement of any foul by B where the basic spot is the goal line will result in a safety.