2024 Quiz 9

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 8

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 7

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 6

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 5

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 4

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 3

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Quiz 2

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 1

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2024 Website Quizzes

Please click here to view information on this year’s website quizzes.

Updated August 12, 2024

2023 Quiz 9

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 8

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 7

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 6

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 5

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 4

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 3

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 2

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2023 Quiz 1

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 9

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 8

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 7

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 6

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 5

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 4

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 3

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 2

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2022 Quiz 1

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 9

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 8

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 7

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 6

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 5

This week’s quiz is prepared by Erik Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 4

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 3

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 2

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2021 Quiz 1

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 9 - Rules Geek

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 8 - The Whistle

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 7 - Upon Further Review

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 6 - Rules Geek

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 5 - The Whistle

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 4 - Upon Further Review

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 3 - Rules Geek

This week’s quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 2 - The Whistle

This week’s quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemesin association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2020 Quiz 1 - Upon Further Review

This week’s quiz is prepared by Eric Mauk in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 9 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 8 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 7 - Black and White

This week’s Black and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 6 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 5 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 4 - Black and White

This week’s Black and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 3 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 2 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2019 Quiz 1 - Black and White

This week’s Black and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 9 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 8 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 7 - Black and White

This week’s Blank and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 6 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 5 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 4 - Black and White

This week’s Blank and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 3 - Whistle Quiz

This week’s Whistle quiz is prepared by Greg Bartemes in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 2 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek quiz is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2018 Quiz 1 - Black and White

This week’s Blank and White quiz is prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

2017 Quiz 9 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. 3rd and 21 from the KT’s 7 YL. KT’s punt is blocked behind the NZ and rolls untouched OOB at the KT’s 4 YL. Does the KT get to keep the ball since they punted on 3rd down?

2. A12 throws a long pass from his +40 YL and it is intercepted by B33 at the - 2 YL. B33’s momentum carries him into his own EZ. As B33 begins to run out of his EZ the BJ sounds his whistle. What are B’s options?

3. Snapper A55 takes his position over the ball and places one or both hands on the FB. The RFP signal is given and as A55 begins the motion to snap the ball, B67 swipes at the FB knocking it out of A55’s hands before he/she released the ball for the snap.

4. A, 3 & 10, A’s 40 YL. Runner A1 sweeps around the right end. B6 tackles A1 by hitting A1 with his helmet above A1’s shoulders. The HL throws a flag and tells the R it is a targeting foul. The R tells the HL since it is a targeting foul that B6 must be disqualified.

5. A, 3 & 9 @ B’s 30 YL with 1:30 remaining in the game and the GC is running. A56 false starts. After marking off the false start when will the GC start?

6. 4th and 10 for KT from the K 15 YL. K19 punts the ball to R33 who catches it at the 50 YL. Immediately following the catch, R33 gives a fair catch signal. Upon seeing the fair catch signal all of the KT players stop their pursuit of R33. R33 then takes off and runs for a TD. Is this a penalty on R33? If it is, when should the official sound his whistle to end the down? If it’s a penalty, where is it enforced from and what is the distance?

7. A, 4&5 @ B’s 25 YL. A22 is tackled at the B 23 YL, short of the LTG. After A22 is tackled and the ball is dead, B44 piles on.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. KT lines up to punt on 4th and 8. The U lines up so his IP is 7 YDs off the LOS, opposite the R and just outside the tight end.

2. During Pre-snap Mechanics, how should the Wings position their feet in order to help the A players position themselves on or off the LOS?

OHSAA Regulations

1. During a down, the officials hear a whistle which appears to be from the stands. This whistle, being heard by the players, caused the players to slow down and eventually stop. The Crew applies the “inadvertent whistle” rule & sounds their whistles to stop the play. What action should the officials do after the down?

2017 Quiz 8 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 4/5 @ B’s 25 YL. A10 is tackled at the B’s 26 YL, short of the LTG. After A10 is tackled and the ball is dead, B1 piles on. After the penalty is enforced the R signals 1/10 for A @ B’s 13 YL.

2. The U has examined and approved the footballs provided by each team prior to the game. During the game, the weather condition changes for the worse. The HT requests to have additional footballs approved during the halftime break for use throughout the remainder of the game.

3. B30 is guilty of running into kicker A15 during an unsuccessful Try. A’s HC wants to accept the penalty and replay the down, but wishes to decline the distance penalty because A15 is more comfortable kicking from the previous distance. The R informs A’s HC he cannot decline the distance if he accepts penalty.

4. K, 4/5 @ K’s 5 YL. K10’s punt is muffed in flight beyond the NZ by R45 and rebounds into K’s end zone where it’s recovered by K20. K20 is tackled in his EZ. The R signals a TB.

5. A, 1/10 @ A’s 20 YL. Snapper A60 takes his position over the ball at A’s 20 YL and places one or both hands on the ball. The RFP signal is given and as A60 begins his motion to snap the ball, B55 swipes at the ball knocking it out of A60’s hands before he has released the ball for the snap. B55 falls on the ball at A’s 18 YL. The R signals 1/10 for B.

6. A, 1/G @ B’s 5 YL. B34 intercepts A10’s forward pass in B’s EZ. B34 immediately throws a legal BWP to B22. B22 muffs the BWP and it goes OOB across the SL behind B’s GL. The LJ signals a safety.

7. A,4/G@B’s2YL.RunnerA25ispushedattheLOSinthebackbyA32inanefforttogetA25intotheEZ.B’sHCtells the R this is illegal and the R states it’s not illegal.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On a FK that’s kicked close to R’s GL between the LJ & R, R10 catches the FK on the 1/2 YL. The R winds the GC and the HL sounds his whistle and signals a TB.

2. A, 2/7 @ B’s 40 YL. A40 runs OOB @ B’s 39 YL. The R and BJ go into B’s team box.

OHSAA Regulations

1. As the officials are walking onto the field before the game there is lightning and thunder. The AD asks the officials if there will be a 30 minute delay. The officials tell the AD they do not take authority for the contest until the first RFP whistle and that any delay is at his discretion.

2017 Quiz 7 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. Offensive lineman A59 , finding no defensive player on the LOS to block, moves downfield 3 YDS after a legal pass , that eventually crosses the NZ, has left the passer’s hand. Has A59 committed a foul for ineligible illegally downfield?

2. With :05 remaining on the GC in the 3Q, A15 takes a handoff from the QB and runs toward the SL in an attempt to make the first down as time expires. A15 is ridden OOB and driven to the ground excessively hard by B1. As A15 gets up he goes into a dance in front of B1. B1 is flagged for personal foul and A15 is flagged for UNS. Should the 3Q be extended?

3. A, 4/14 @ B’s 30YL. A 10 throws a legal forward pass to A 28 where B 34 commits DPI and intercepts the pass. During B 34’s runback A 65 facemasks B 34 at the 35 YL.

4. A, 4/11 @ B’s 40 YL. A10 takes the hand-off and runs around the right end to the B 35 YL where B51 tackles runner A10 by tripping him with his foot.

5. With: 05 seconds left in the 4Q and the score A - 7, B - 14, A10 throws a TD pass to A22. B15 holds A22 before the pass. Time expires during the down. If A ties the game on the Try, the 20 YL OT procedures will be used. What option or options does A have?

6. A scores a TD as time expires in the 4Q to make the score A-19, B-20. During A’s successful 1 point Try, B is called for roughing the kicker. What are A’s options?

7. With 1:45 remaining in the 4Q, QB A15 completes a 2nd down pass but it is short of the LTG. A then hurriedly lines up and A15 legally spikes the ball. Before the next snap A66 false starts. B’s HC believes the GC should start on the ready since the GC is under 2 minutes.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. When should the Wings tap their closed fists together (2X) and what are they indicating?

2. If the football is touching the -10YL is the crew in RM? Which official has responsibility for the GL if at this spot?

OHSAA Regulations

1. During an 8th grade game A1 is tackled in their EZ for a safety. Does A free kick from their 20 YL?

2017 Quiz 6 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 2/10 @ A’s 2 YL. A is in shotgun formation. A12’s forward pass is tipped by B55 in A’s EZ. A12 catches the tipped ball and throws a second forward pass while still in A’s EZ. The second forward is intercepted. B25 who runs 5 yards and fumbles the ball and A30 recovers the fumble.

2. B50 runs OOB on the VT SL during a live ball and slips and falls. Runner A32 runs near the VT SL and B50 reaches out into the field of play and grabs his foot which makes A32 fall to the ground.

3. K, 4/4 @ K’s 21 YL. R20 is flagged for running into the kicker (K5). After the ball is dead K5 gets up and pushes R20 and K5 is flagged for a DB Personal Foul. R signals these fouls offset and states the down will be replayed.

4. A, 3/10 @ B’s 40 YL. Tie varsity game with: 08 remaining in 4Q. A12’s Hail Mary deep pass is intercepted by B20. B20 runs 91 yards for a TD. During the return B45 is flagged for holding @ A’s 30 YL. During the return time expires on the GC. A accepts the holding penalty. R signals the 4Q is over and the score by B does not count. Time expired and the R states the penalty will be enforced on the succeeding spot of the 1st OT.

5. A, 3/10 @ B’s 20 YL. : 02 remain in the 2Q. A10 scrambles and runs to B’s 18 YL and throws a forward pass to A80 in B’s EZ. A10 is flagged for an illegal forward pass. The R signals/announces the penalty and that there will be an untimed down since the penalty occurred during the last timed down of the 2Q.

6. A, 3/10 @ B’s 30 YL. : 05 remain in the 4Q. B is leading by 3 points. A14 runs to B’s 4 YL where he’s hit and fumbles the ball, B42 recovers the fumble at B’s 2 YL. While the ball was loose the LJ inadvertently blew his whistle. The R signals the game is over since time expired during the last timed down.

7. To start the 3Q K10 FK’s from K’s 40 YL. Immediately after the kick is airborne, R56 comes in and blocks K10 and knocks him to the ground @ K’s 43 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The LJ and HL ask the U to come outside the HM’s to retrieve the football due to the fact he is staying inside the HM. The U states that his position is not supposed to go outside the HM’s.

2. A, 2/7 @ B’s 20 YL. A12 is tackled at B’s 14 YL. The HL looks back to see how close they are and B40 punches A21. The HL did not see the punch as he was looking over his shoulder to see if A12 met the LTG.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Prior to the start of the 2nd half the VT HC informs the R their coaching headset phones are not working and that the HT must not wear theirs as this give the HT a direct advantage.

2017 Quiz 5 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 1st & 10 @ A’s 35 YL. Quarterback A10 runs to the A’s 38 YL then retreats back to the A 33 YL. He throws a pass that is caught by eligible A88 at the A 48 YL. Any penalty here?

2. QB A22 takes the snap and drops back to pass. Under a heavy rush he scrambles toward the LOS. His passing arm and one of his feet are beyond the NZ when a forward pass is thrown to eligible A89. Any fouls?

3. A1 throws a legal forward pass to A5, who is behind the LOS and who then throws another forward pass to A11, who advances the ball for a first down.

4. At the snap, interior lineman A66 moves 3 yards downfield and finding no one to block, retreats behind the NZ and blocks for A2 who eventually throws a forward pass which crosses the neutral zone.

5. During a forward pass play in which the ball crosses the neutral zone, A88, an ineligible receiver (covered up), is illegally downfield and B44 illegally contacts him with an elbow (personal foul).

6. Quarterback A14 drops back and throws a forward pass toward the SL to A25 who is behind the NZ. B1 blocks A25 behind the line prior to A25 touching the ball.

7. A11 or B11 is in a position to catch or intercept a forward pass beyond the NZ. An opponent, who is in the vicinity, turns his back to the ball. The opponent directs his attention to A11 or B11 and waves his arms to block the vision of the potential receiver or interceptor but does not make contact.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 3rd & 3 @ B’s 5 YL. Since the LOS is inside the + 10 YL, how should the HL and LJ react to a run between the tackles toward the GL?

2. A, 2nd & 9 @ A’s 40 YL. Half back A10 receives a handoff and sweeps toward the HL’s SZ/SL. What should be the mechanic for the HL and the LJ?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Prior to the start of a varsity game the VT brings their footballs to the official’s locker room for approval. The U finds the footballs meet all Rule 1-3 requirements but they feel a little “ tacky “. No foreign substance is suspected or found on these footballs. Can the R approve the footballs?

2017 Quiz 4 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. :12 remaining in the 4Q. B is leading by 2 points. Runner A10 runs OOB. The LJ asks B’s HC if he wants to start the GC on the RFP.

2. A, 3/10 @ B’s 40 YL. On a scrimmage play A1 changes direction and A81 approaches B51. B51 turns and see’s A81 coming. A81 lowers his shoulder and blocks B51, the block on A81 knocking him to the ground. The U throws his flag for an blindside block.

3. K, 4/10 @ K’s 30 YL. After K3’s punt R21 runs onto the field. He doesn’t realize he is the RT’s 12th man on the field. R21 blocks K43. R80 catches the punt @ RT’s 30 YL and returns it to K’s 10 YL. The HL throws a flag for illegal participation on R21. The Crew enforces this as a loose ball foul from the previous spot and gives K a 1st down and awards K a new series @ K’s 45 YL.

4. A, 3/10 @ B’s 25 YL. After A10 runs OOB he is hit by B40. A10 immediately pushes B40. B31 then curses at A10. The HL throws flags for the dead ball DB late hit on B40 and the DB foul on A10. The BJ throws a flag for UNS on B31. The Crew offsets all DB fouls.

5. A, 3/20 @ B’s 40 YL. A14’s pass is airborne. Before the R completes yelling “Balls Away” B55 hits A14 in the head with the crown of his helmet. A80 catches the pass at B’s 34 YL and is then downed at B’s 30 YL. The R throws a flag for roughing the passer. The Crew enforces the penalty from the previous spot, resulting in B, 3/5 @ B’s 25 YL.

6. After an enforced penalty, K1 is free kicking (KO) from K’s 20 YL. :10 remain in the 4Q with K leading by 2 points. K1 falls as he kicks the ball which causes the kick to be high and short. R1 signals fair catch at K’s 37 YL. R2 catches the kicked ball. K’s HC informs the officials he wants to attempt a free kick after fair catch. The R informs the HC he has the right to choose this.

7. A, 3/10 @ A’s 20 YL. A16 throws an interception to B35 @ A’s 40 YL. B35 runs for a TD. Prior to the interception A67 holds B75. After the interception and before B35 crosses A’s GL. B59 is flagged for an illegal block in the back @ A’s 30 YL. The Crew offsets the 2 live ball fouls and replays the down.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On a pass play where the QB drops back and throws a forward pass the U moves forward to the LOS.

2. Host management informs the Crew that both teams will use a common entrance/exit to the field. The Crew states that this is host management’s responsibility to deal with the teams.

OHSAA Regulations

1. On the last timed down of the 4Q A scores a TD and makes the score B21-A20. On the successful Try-Kick for 1 point B is flagged for UNS. The R informs K they cannot carry over the penalty to OT.

2017 Quiz 3 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A1 throws a forward pass from his own 40 YL. B14 intercepts on his 8 YL and circles back into his EZ. While B1 is in the EZ, the covering official inadvertently sounds his whistle.

2. A1 throws a forward pass from his own 40 YL. B14 intercepts the ball 4 yards deep in his EZ. While B1 is attempting to run out of his EZ, the covering official inadvertently sounds his whistle.

3. A1 or B1 is in a position to catch or intercept a forward pass beyond the NZ. An opponent, who is in the vicinity, turns his back to the ball. The opponent directs his attention to A1 or B1 and waves his arms to block the vision of the potential receiver or interceptor but does not make contact.

4. A14 throws a legal forward pass from his 35 YL. As A8 prepares to catch the pass, B15 interferes (DPI) with his attempt to catch the pass. A8 catches the pass and is immediately downed at the B40 YL. The officials conference and decide since the pass was completed that the 15 YD penalty for DPI will be enforced from the B40 (tack on).

5. A1 scores a TD. After the score, B commits a (a) dead-ball, (b) unsportsmanlike or (c) non-player foul prior to the initial RFP on the Try.

6. 4th and 9 for team A. A’s HC decides to punt and sends in A15 to punt and A21 to replace the snapper A55, leaving four A players numbered 50-79 on the LOS. A15 lines up 8 yards behind A21 and punts the ball to the B45 YL. The U throws a flag for an illegal numbering foul against A.

7. Snapper A50 takes his position over the ball and places one or both hands on the ball. The RFP signal is given and as A1 begins the motion to snap the ball, B66 swipes at the ball attempting to dislodge it from the snapper, touching the snapper’s hand or the ball prior to the snapper releasing the ball for the snap.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During TRY-KICK the R shouldn’t signal Good or NO Good to the PB.

2. The kick try by the KT is low as it nears the cross bar. Once the ball has passed the upright the BJ looks to the U to determine if the Try went over or under the cross bar. Correct?

OHSAA Regulations

1. After having to make a third correction to the PC, the R orders the PC’s turned off. Correct?

2017 Quiz 1 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. To start the game the BJ hands the ball to K1. K1 places the ball on the tee for the kickoff on the home side HM on K’s 40 YL. The BJ runs to his position and just before he raises his hand to the R, K’s HC tells K1 to move the ball to the other side of the field.

2. K1 kicks off from their 40 YL and the kicked ball goes OOB untouched at the RT’s 40YL. The LJ throws his flag. The R gives the RT the option of a 5 yard penalty and have K re-kick or to take the ball 25 yards from the previous spot – RT’s 35 YL).

3. K1’s attempts an onside kick. R1 comes in and blocks K2 into the kicked ball at K’s 48 YL. The ball is recovered by R2 at R’s 48 YL. The R signals first touching by K at K’s 48 YL and gives the RT the option of taking the ball at K’s 48 YL.

4. K1’s free kick is airborne and near the SL at R’s 29 YL. R1 catches the kicked ball near the SL with one of his feet OOB. The R signals OOB on the RT and gives the RT the ball at RT’s 29 YL.

5. K1’s free kick is grounded and muffed by R2 @ R’s 18 YL. K2 recovers the muff and advances it for a TD.

6. After an enforced penalty, K1 is free kicking from their 20 YL. Ten seconds remain in the 4Q with K leading by 2 points. K1 falls as he kicks the FB which causes the kick to be high and short. R1 signals fair catch at K’s 37 YL. R2 catches the kicked ball. K’s HC informs the officials he wants to attempt a free kick after fair catch. The R informs the HC he has the right to choose this.

7. R1 catches K1’s free kick at R’s 45 YL. He then runs 4 yards, stops, and gives a fair catch signal with his hand high above his head. He realizes the K players are slowing and he takes off running. The BJ blows the play dead as he throws his flag. The BJ throws a flag and informs the R the penalty is for an invalid fair catch signal and the crew enforces this as a PSK foul at R’s 45 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. After a play that ended near the SL the U goes to the nearest HM and waits for the R/BJ to shuttle the FB into him/her.

2. After arriving a TV crew comes in the locker room and states they would like the R to wear a microphone that is only heard by the viewing audience. The R is already wearing a stadium microphone. The R agrees to use the 2 microphones.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Prior to a freshmen game the HC tells the Crew that he and the VT HC have agreed to play 8 minute quarters during the game. The Crew tells them freshmen games are required to be 10 minutes.

2017 Quiz 1 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. K, 3/10 @ R 32 YL. 17 seconds remain in the game. The score is tied. K decides to attempt a FG. The FG attempt is blocked behind the LOS, and the ball never crosses the LOS. A44 recovers the blocked kick on the ground behind the LOS with 5 seconds remaining. The GC then expires. A’s HC immediately tells the officials that the GC should have stopped when the ball was recovered by A44, thinking he’d have time for another FG attempt. Put 5 seconds back on?

2. K, 4/10 @ R 40 YL, K lines up in a scrimmage kick formation. K1 punts the ball to R1 who is standing on his 3 yard line. R1 muffs the punt. As the ball is bouncing away from R’s EZ, R2 muffs the ball causing it to go into his own EZ where K2 falls on the ball.

3. K, 4/10 @ K’s 30 YL. K10’s short punt is muffed by R15 at K’s 38 YL. The loose ball rolls back behind the NZ and is recovered by K4 at K’s 27 YL. Possession and down?

4. K5’s punt beyond the NZ hits the ground. Then the ball bounces high into the air. R14 gives a valid fair catch signal before the punt hits the ground the first time. K3 slightly bumps R14 before R14 recovers the punt. Did K commit Kick catching interference (KCI)?

5. K, 4/21 @ K29 YL. K88 is running down the field under a punt when the ball, in flight, hits him on the helmet at the R 40 YL. The ball then travels OOB at the R45 YL. No R player was in position to be able to get to the ball and catch it. Kick Catching Interference? First Touching? Both?

6. What options does the RT have if a K player commits Kick Catching Interference on a scrimmage kick?

7. K, 3/10 @ K’s 12 YL. K1’s punt is blocked and recovered on K’s 8 YL, simultaneously by K15 and R88. What is result of the play?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The BJ is preparing for a punt and takes his/her IP 5 YDS deeper than the two split receivers.

2. After a Try-Kick the R should jog toward the players?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Prior to the game, the PC operator tells the BJ that one of the PC’s isn’t working but since the teams switch ends at the quarters it should be acceptable.

2016 Quiz 9 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 1/10 @ B 40 YL. A1 runs OOB at B’s 35YL. After A1 is OOB, B1 charges into A1, knocking him to the ground. A2 retaliates by shoving B1. B1 then swears at A2. A’s coach swears at the LJ after the R has given his signals and the U begins marking off the enforcement.

2. A, 4/8 @ A 14 YL. B88 blocks the punt and the ball rolls into the EZ. B14 attempts to secure the ball in the EZ but he is touching the SL when he finally controls the football. Touchdown, safety or touchback?

3. With less than 2 minutes remaining in the game the RT is trailing by 9 points as K prepares to punt from its 4 YL. During the kick, K2 holds R4 in the EZ. R5 returns the punt for a TD.

4. A. 4/9 @ B 31 YL. A2’s FG attempt strikes the ground at the B 4 YL and rebounds high into the air. B14, who was waiting at the B 10 YL, turns, runs, and leaps to possess the ball in the air at the B 1 YL. B14’s momentum carries him into the EZ where he lands and then runs with the ball to the A 27 YL before he is tackled.

5. A. 2/10 @ A 30 YL. QB A6 takes the long snap, runs to his right and throws a forward pass which is caught by eligible A41 at the A 28 YL. A41 is immediately tackled at that spot. After A6 released the ball B51 was flagged for roughing the passer. Outcome?

6. A, 2/10 @ B 22 YL. QB A2 drops back to pass. He fumbles the ball at the B 27 YL. B50 recovers the fumble and advances to the A 48 YL where he is tackled. After B50 recovered the fumble and before the end of the play four B substitutes stepped into the field at the 50 YL and cheered, but they did not move to participate in the play nor hinder any A players. Possession, down and distance?

7. K scores and lines up for the Try in scrimmage kick formation. K15 kicks the ball but it is partially blocked by RT 88. The ball is rolling at the RT’s 3 YL when K19 rushes forward, recovers the ball and runs the ball into the RT EZ. Two-point conversion?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Prior to the game, game management informs the R that they will provide a microphone for him to use during the game. As the R prepares for the game he realizes that the HT PB can control what is heard in the stadium from that microphone. HTgame management informs the R that he must use the microphone and that the R used that microphone last week.

2. On the first KO of the game K10’s kick is received at the RT 18 YL and returned to the RT 26 YL. On the next KO by this team the HL and LJ take their IP’s at the RT 10YL. For the next KO by this team what is the IP for the HL and LJ if they can’t agree whether to be at the GL or the RT 10YL?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Late in 2Q, with the VT attempting to score, it is noted by the BJ that the GC doesn’t stop for approximately 10 seconds. The Crew corrects the GC and the quarter continues. Two additional times in the 2Q it is noted by the Crew that the GC is not being stopped or started as directed by the Crew.

2016 Quiz - Week 8

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1.A, 2/10 @ B’s 10 YL. A1 fumbles the ball @ B’s 7 YL. The ball is recovered by A2 @ B‘s 4YL and advanced for a TD. The R states the ball was dead where A1 lost possession and only A1 can recover and advance his own fumble.

1. K, 4/10 @ K’s 30 YL. K1’s punt is short. R1 muffs the ball at K’s 36 YL and it bounces back toward the NZ. K2 picks up the ball @ K’s 32 YL and advances the ball and is downed @ K’s 42 YL. The R signals 1/10 for K @ A’s 42 YL.

2. 25 minutes prior to a Varsity game an official is smoking on the SL near the HT bench.

3. A, 2/10 @ B’s 30 YL. Eligible A1 blocks B1 @ B’s 25 YL. Eligible A2 catches a forward pass @ B’s 17 YL. A1’s block on B1 is 15 yards across the field from where A2 caught the forward pass.

4. KO. K1, the kicker, is positioned on the K 30 YL. He approaches the ball. However, K2 who is positioned on the K 36 YL kicks the ball. The onside kick is recovered by the RT at the RT 45 YL. The R signals COP, RT’s ball, 1/10 at RT’s 45 YL.

5. A, 2/5 @ A’s 40 YL. B1 is standing within 1 yard of the LOS before the snap. B1 stomps his foot abruptly and A1 flinches. The LJ flags A1 for a false start.

6. A, 4/G @ B’s 8 YL. B1 intercepts A1’s pass in B’s EZ. B1 attempts to run the ball out of the EZ into the field of play. B1 runs to the opposite side of the EZ where he is downed in the EZ. The BJ, LJ and HL signal safety.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The score is A18 – B12. The A HC informs the officials his team is taking a knee. The Crew pinches in and informs all players that A is taking a knee and nothing rough.

2. During a running play the LJ holds his position on the LOS as the ball carrier runs to his side of the field into the SZ.

OHSAA Regulations

1. An A assistant coach curses at an official and receives his 2nd UNS foul on the SL. The LJ disqualifies A’s HC.

2016 Quiz 7 - Your Call

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A. 3/9 @ B 35 YL. QB A2 takes the snap, drops back, runs to his right, and as he nears the LOS he pushes the ball forward (pass) using both hands at the B 36 YL. Eligible receiver A39 catches the ball at the B 30 YL. B54 takes 2 additional steps after A2 releases the ball and hits A2 from the side knocking him to the ground. A39 runs to the B 15 YL, where he fumbles the ball backward and the ball is recovered by A80 at the B 20 YL Possession, down and distance?

2. A1 throws a pass into B’s EZ where B23 intercepts and attempts to run the ball out of his EZ. As B23 is about to get tackled in his EZ he passes the ball backward to B25 who in turn throws the ball over the EL. Possession, down and distance?

3. B54’s helmet comes completely off during an attempt to tackle A32. After disengaging, B54 puts his helmet back on, and then resumes his pursuit of runner A32. B54 is then blocked by A76.

4. A1 throws a FP that is intercepted by B1 on B’s 30 YL and returned 70 yards along the B SL for a TD. During B1’s run, the covering official is forced to change his course to run around an assistant B coach who is in B’s RA. The covering official drops his flag near B’s RA. Later during the return, B12, a non-player, leaves the team box and runs alongside (yet OOB) B1 all the way to the GL. B12 never enters the field of play during the down. The R flags B12 for a non-player foul.

5. A15 is injured and is treated on the field. A subsequently requests a time-out. During the next down, A15 runs 20 yards for the go-ahead score. Following the score, B requests a time-out so the HC may discuss A15’s participation with the R.

6. A, 2/10 @ A 40 YL. A9 takes the snap, drops back and throws a legal forward pass to A87 who catches it & is tackled at the B 39 YL. During the play A52 is flagged for holding B77 at the A 35 YL. B accepts the penalty. Down and distance after the penalty is administered?

7. In the 1Q, the assistant coach for A accidentally collides with the LJ in the restricted zone while the LJ is covering a play. A is penalized 15 yards for illegal personal contact by a non-player. Later in the second quarter, the BJ is covering a play near the SL and observes an assistant in the restricted area during the play.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Which official checks the legality of the tee used for the KO?

2. On a hot, humid night K players take their positions behind their free kick line for the opening KO with their helmets off. After the BJ (5 Man Crew) hands the FB to the kicker, all K players put their helmets on and snap up. Legal?

OHSAA Regulations

1. With 6 minutes remaining in the 3Q the field lights go out on one side of the field. Both HC’s advise the officials they agree to continue the game with some of the field lights out. Are they allowed to make this decision?

2016 Quiz - Week 6

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 2/10 @ B’s 40 YL. A1’s is downed @ B’s 30 YL. During the run time expires in the 2Q. Also during the run the LJ runs into B’s HC in the restricted area. Crew decides to extend the period for one untimed down.

2. A, 3/12 @ A’s 2 YL. A1 drops back into A’s EZ. B1 grasps A2’s (snapper) jersey and throws him to the ground. B2 blitzes through the hole where A2 was and sacks A1 in his EZ. U flags B1 for holding. R signals safety. After a discussion with the Crew the R again signals safety and signals the B’s holding foul will be enforced on the succeeding FK spot.

3. K, 4/14 @ R’s 27 YL. K’s FG attempt is short and crosses R’s GL. The officials place the ball @ R’s 27 YL, 1/10 for RT.

4. The score is 14-7, B ahead. As time expires on the 4Q and during the play B1 is penalized for UNS. A’s HC chooses to have the penalty enforced on the succeeding spot if A’s kicker makes the Try. The Try is good. In OT A chooses offense. The Crew enforces the penalty half the distance from the 20 YL. A’s ball 1/G @ B’s 10 YL.

5. A, 3/10 @ B’s 20 YL. A is out of TO’s. With: 08 remaining in the 4Q A1 goes under the snapper. The ball is snapped and A1 muffs the snap and the ball falls to the ground. A1 picks it up quickly and spikes the ball. The R signals incomplete pass and 4th down.

6. K, 4/15 @ K’s 40 YL. K’s punt is away and high in the air. K1 stops 1 yard in front of R1 who is in position to catch the ball and starts waving his hands in R1’s face.

7. A, 2/G @ B’s 10 YL. At B’s 3 YL, right tackle A60 grasps runner’s A2’s waist and pulls him into the EZ.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 3/10 @ A’s 2 YL. A1 is tackled in A’s EZ near the GL. The R signals safety.

2. After a play where the LJ has ruled a ball carrier down before he fumbled the LJ comes in and sounds his whistle 5 times to ensure all players know the play is dead.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During live ball play a whistle is heard in the stands and some players stop or hesitate on the field.

2016 Quiz 5 - Your Call

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. As the captains for the HT walk out for the CT, the U notices one of the captains is carrying a replica professional wrestling belt over his shoulder. This replica belt has no distinctive writing on it. Should the U allow this captain to participate in the CT carrying this belt?

2. A, from their 40 YL, completes a long pass to A27, who runs to the B 2 YL and fumbles the ball into B’s EZ. B44 picks up the loose football in B’s EZ and proceeds to advance out of his EZ. The BJ sounds his whistle as B44 is still one yard deep in his EZ. Whose ball is it and where should it be spotted?

3. A, 4/6 @ A 35 YL. A decides to punt. During the kick, R88 blocks K 13 in the back (BIB) at the RT’s 45 YL. On the tackle of the punt returner at RT’s 40 YL, K54 commits a targeting foul. The covering official determines the targeting foul is flagrant. Whose ball is it and where should it be spotted?

4. K, 4/8 @ K 40 YL. K23 kicks from a scrimmage kick formation. R9 is in position to receive the kick at the R 10 YL, but backs away after giving a legal fair catch signal. The ball strikes the ground at the R 4 YL and bounces high into the air. K19, who ran to the RT GL, turns and with both feet in the R EZ, extends his arms toward his GL and downs the ball at the R 1 YL. Where will R put the ball in play?

5. A, 2/8 @ B 20 YL. At the snap QB A7 turns, runs a few steps and then executes a backward pass to trailing back A24 who proceeds up field. B51 grasps the middle of the back of A24’s jersey with his hands and pulls A24 backward and to the ground at the B 19 YL. Was a foul committed? Down and distance?

6. A, 2/G @ B 8YL. 6 seconds remain in 4Q. B leads by 7 points. A4 runs for a TD as time expires. B57 commits a personal foul during the TD run.

7. A, 1/10 @ A34 YL. At the snap, QB A12 throws a forward pass intended for eligible A82 who is at the A 39 YL. The FB crosses the NZ. A82 leaps to make the catch but muffs the FB into the air and backward. Lineman A64 who was ineligible at the snap catches the ball at the A 34 YL and runs to the A 45 YL, where he is tackled.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. With 2:30 remaining in the 3Q the U notices that A55 is approaching fouling status. During the next dead ball period the U calls time-out and escorts A55 to his bench and informs the HC of A55 actions. When can A55 re-enter the game and did U handle the situation appropriately?

2. With 15 seconds remaining in the 4Q & the score tied on a windy night, RT10 makes a legal fair catch of his opponent’s scrimmage kick. The fair catch is made at the KT’s + 30 YL. With the score tied, the RT decides to attempt free-kick in order to win the game. Which official has the KT free-kick line and which official has the RT free-kick line?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Prior to the game the Crew notices only one common exit point from the playing field. At halftime intermission, as both teams attempt to leave the field and proceed to their assigned LR, the Crew holds the HT until the VT has exited. Were they correct? When should the Timer start the GC for half time intermission?

2016 Quiz 4 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 3/3 @ B’s 15 YL. Prior to the snap B is flagged for illegal substitution for having 12 players on the field. A second later A1 is flagged for UNS for cursing an opposing player. The R signals both fouls and announces these DB fouls will offset.

2.K, 4/10 @ K’s35 YL. K1’s punt is high; R1 waves his hand at his waist for a fair catch at R’s 30YL. The BJ (or U in 4 man) throws his flag. After R1 catches the ball @ R’s 25 YL the BJ sounds his whistle. R1 then takes off running. The BJ throws a second flag for delay of game. The R signals both invalid fair catch and delay of game on R1. The R explains to the HC that he can only choose one of the live ball fouls.

1. A, 3/15 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 throws the ball away into the stands as time expires in the 4Q. The R and HL confer and decide no receiver was in the area. The R drops a flag at the spot where A1 released the ball. The R signals and announces intentional grounding on A1 and the period will be extended for one untimed down.

2. A, 3/10 @ B’s 15 YL. A1’s forward pass is tipped by B1. Ineligible A2 catches the pass beyond the NZ and advances for a TD. The U throws a flag on A2 for illegal touching. The R signals illegal touching and loss of down.

3. K, 4/10 @ K’s 45 YL. K1’s punt is high and deep. R1 jumps to catch the punt and it hits him on top of his helmet at R’s 10 YL and rolls toward R’s GL. R1 attempts to pick up the ball and muffs the ball into R’s EZ. The ball rolls across R’s GL. K3 recovers the ball in R’s EZ. The BJ signals TD for K.

4. A, 2/4 @ B’s 45 YL. B has a player come on to the field as a substitute when the R sounds the RFP. As the BJ (U in 4 man) raises his hand for the final 5 seconds of the PC he counts B and realizes B still has 12 players on the field. The BJ throws a flag for illegal substitution on B. The R explains to the BJ that team B has until the snap to have only 11 players on the field.

5. A, 2/1 @ B’s 4 YL. B2 enters the field and is running to get on his team’s side of the NZ. B2 is at B’s 10 YL when A snaps the ball. The LJ sounds his whistle and signals encroachment on B2.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During a run play the HL tries to keep up with a ball carrier as the play comes toward his SZ.

2. During a pass play the HL throws a flag when he realizes he has no receiver in his area then signals intentional grounding to the R.

OHSAA Regulations

1. An official purchases and wears a pair of black shorts with a 1” white stripe on the sides.

2016 Quiz 3 - Your Call

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. During the down, player A4 is noticed to have a clear tooth and mouth protector that is covering the upper, front teeth only. The U drops a flag for illegal equipment.

2. A has lined­up for a FG attempt. A’s linemen have been shifting from a two­point stance to a three­point stance prior to the snap the entire game. After shifting to their three­point stance for this attempt B 60 lineman feints a charge which causes A lineman 59 and 69 to start before the snap. Would we have a false start on A or a unsportsmanlike foul on B?

3. B1 intercepts A1’s pass at B’s 4 YL and retreats (no momentum ruling) to B’s EZ where B1 is grabbed by the face mask by A2 who twists the mask. B1 then fumbles while in the EZ and the ball rolls back into the field of play and then goes OOB at B’s 2 YL.

Note on play 3: Even though the foul is declined the Flagrant Foul & DQ can not be declined.

1. During the last timed down of the 4th period, A scores a TD & the score is nowA 13–B14. RT21 roughs the kicker/holder during K’s successful Try­ Kick.

2. During the last timed down of the first half, A1 retreats into his own EZ to attempt a pass, but he is downed there. During the down there is holding in the EZ by A2.

3. A, 3/4 @ A’s 20YL. A7 runs with the ball to the A 29 YL where B43 attempts to tackle A7. A7 extends his left hand and grasps and pulls the facemask of B43’s helmet which comes completely off. B43 completes the tackle. Must B43 leave the game for one play?

4. A, 3/G @ B’s 3 YL. A19 takes the snap, runs to his right and fumbles after being hit by several B players at the B 2 YL. The FB rolls into the B EZ and is recovered by B51 who is tackled in the EZ. After B51 recovers the ball, but before he is tackled, B77 holds A60 at the B 6 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During the CT prior to the game, the VT wins the toss and chooses to defer to the second half. The R turns to the Press Box and signals that the VT will defer. Before the R can ask the HT what their choice will be, the VT captain asks to change his choice.

2. A, 4/7@ B’s 20 YL. A decides to attempt a FG. The attempt is (a) faked or (b) the attempt is kicked but short of the GL. The BJ and U should both go the GL in both (a) and (b)?

OHSAA Regulations

1. The VT school band plays too long which delays the start of the second half. Both teams are ready to play except a band being on the field.

2016 Quiz 2 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/10 @ K’s 20 YL. K1’s punt is blocked by R2 and recovered by K2 @ K’s 14 YL. K2 advances the ball to K’s 28 YL. R signals first down for K since R2 touched the kicked ball.

2. K, 4/14 @ K’s 40 YL. K1 brings his “kicking” ball in and hands it to the U. The U switches the balls.

3. K, 4/10 @ K’s 35 YL. K1’s punt is away, K2 attempts to down the punt, touching the grounded ball @ R’s 30 YL. The ball is rolling. R1 picks up the ball and runs 15 yards where he fumbles the ball @ R’s 45 YL where K2 recovers. The R immediately signals 1/10 for K @ R’s 45 YL.

4. K, 4/13 @ K’s 30 YL. K1’s punt is low and strikes K2 in the helmet @ K’s 32 YL. The ball continues in flight to K’s 48 YL where it’s downed by K3. The R gives R the option of taking the ball @ K’s 32 YL or taking the result of the play.

5. K, 4/10 @ R’s 10 YL. K attempts a FG. K1 (holder) muffs the snap & raises his knee off the ground to retrieve the ball. K1 retrieves the ball and goes back down on a knee @ R’s 18 YL. K2’s kicks the ball, the kick is signaled good.

6. K, 4/15 @ K’s 20 YL. K1’s punt is short & grounded at K’s 28 YL. The kicked ball is muffed by R1 and rolls back to K’s 18 YL. K2 picks up the ball and advances for a touchdown.

7. K, 3/17 @ K’s 10 YL. K1’s punt is blocked. The ball is recovered by K2 and R1 simultaneously @ K’s 5 YL. The R signals 4th down for K at K’s 5 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A78 holds B65. U throws a flag on A78 and signals holding (S42) to the R, then yells out to the LJ “A78 holding”.

2. In a jr. high game the R tells the crew “I will take the PC today.”

OHSAA Regulations

1. There is a safety in a jr. high game. The crew places the ball at the 50 YL for the next set up downs.

2016 Quiz 1 - Your Call

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. K is preparing to kickoff for the second half. K has 7 players to one side of the kicker and 3 players on the other. The Referee marks the ball ready for play and the BJ immediately throws the flag, stops the play and calls encroachment on team K.

2. K1 attempts an onside kick from his own 40, but instead of causing the ball to strike the ground and bounce, he pops it up into the air. R1 signals for a fair catch while the kick is in flight and catches the ball before it crosses R’s free kick line.

3. K’s first half kickoff is bouncing on the ground in the neutral zone where R16 and K79 are engaged in blocking one another legally. K2 muffs the ball first in the NZ, and the ball then touches R16 on the leg. K3 recovers the ball.

4. A free kick by team K is touched by R15 on his 15 YL line and then it contacts a game official who is straddling the sideline at the 5 YL. R33 picks up the football and runs to the R 40 yard line.

5. K punts from midfield. R17 gives a fair catch signal at the RT’s 10 YL. R17 muffs the catch and the ball bounces toward R’s EZ. R2 recovers at the 1 YL and his momentum takes him into the EZ where he is tackled.

6. K is preparing to kickoff and has 5 players on one side of Kicker K33 and 5 players on the other side. All 11 players of K are within 5 yards of their free kick line. After the ready­for­play from the R, K33 runs toward the football as though he/she will kick but slows down and teammate K32 which is immediately to his/her right actually kicks the football.

7. During a scrimmage kick which goes beyond the expanded neutral zone, R1 gives a fair catch signal. He muffs the kick into the air, where: (a) K2 pushes R1 in an attempt to reach the ball; or (b) K3 tackles R1 following the muff, preventing R1 from catching the kick.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. After a valid fair catch the BJ drops his/her bean bag to mark the spot of the fair catch.

2. A advances the football beyond the line­to­gain thus making the first down. From the top of the field numbers the HL instructs the chain crew to move the chains to his spot.

OHSAA Regulations

1. In a week #2 football game and during a long pass by A the ball hits a drone and falls into the arms of a B player who is immediately tackled.

2015 Quiz 11 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 2/5 @ B’s 30 YL. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1. While A1’s pass was in flight B2 was flagged for defensive pass interference (DPI). After the interception the BJ blows his whistle inadvertently.

2. A1 scores a TD on a long pass. On the Try K’s ball boy hands another ball (“kicking ball”) to the LJ to bring in for the Try kick.

3. A, 1/10 @ A’s 20 YL. During a run play at A’s 40 YL the HL collides with one of B’s assistant coaches in the restricted area, the HL throws his flag. A1 is downed at B’s 35 YL. The R gives signal 38 (personal foul) and signal 27 (UNS) and the crew marks the penalty off from the spot of the foul.

4. A, 3/6 @ B’s 45 YL. B1’s helmet comes completely off during an attempt to tackle A2. B1 remains in contact with A2 and A2 drags B1 3 yards before going to the ground. The U throws a flag on B1 for illegal participation for continuing to participate after his helmet came off.

5. A, 3/15 @ A’s 45 YL. A1 is involved in close line play with B1. A1’s helmet comes completely off as the play continues downfield without being caused by a foul by any B player. A1 continues downfield but does not touch anyone throughout the remainder of the play. The LJ sees A1 continue downfield without his helmet and doesn’t throw a flag since he did not participate in any contact.

6. After A1 crosses B’s GL. He immediately raises the ball in the air for a second. He stops and crosses his chest with one hand and points to the sky with the other hand briefly. He then looks into the stands and gives the “feed me” (like a spoon into his mouth motion) and pounds his chest.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Two upright opposing players start to throw punches at each other. The U gets between them and pushes them away from each other.

2. After a penalty the calling official runs 10 steps to get closer to the R to yell the foul, give the signal and tell the number of the offending player.

3. The passer is tackled, the R determines his passing arm was going forward at the time he was tackled and it’s ruled an incomplete pass. The R only gives the incomplete pass signal (2X).

OHSAA Regulations

1. During a wet weather game A’s HC sends in his composite game balls to be checked before the game instead of his leather game balls. The U tells the host management the game balls must be leather and not a rubber composite ball.

2015 Quiz 10 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 4/G @ A’s 9 YL (2 remaining in the 3Q). A1 catches a forward pass for a TD. During the play A2 is flagged for OPI. The GC expired during the down. B chooses to accept the penalty. The R raises the ball ending the 3Q. The Crew enforces the 15 yd. OPI penalty @ the beginning of the 4Q.

2. This one is missed a lot! A, 2/10 @ B’s 40 YL. A2 comes onto the field and replaces A1. A1 leaves the field and enters into his team box. After A’s huddle breaks A’s HC yells for A2 to come off the field and sends in A1 back in prior to the snap.

3. A, 3/5 @ B’s 10 YL. A1 (tight end) is on the end of the line. A1 has his hand on the ground and prior to the snap lifts his hand and moves out to a wide receiver position. The LJ throws a flag and signals false start.

4. A, 3/5 @ A’s 25 YL. A1 (#54) is lined up as a guard on A’s LOS. During a pass play A1 immediately blocks B2 and is @ A’s 27 YL when the pass is thrown. The U flags A1 for ineligible receiver illegally downfield.

5. During a Try-Kick the R tells the place kicker he must use a kicking tee.

6. The GC quits working just after the game starts. The LJ assumes responsibility for the GC on his watch. At 4 minutes left in the 2Q he stops the GC (TO signal 2X) on his watch so the R can inform each team’s HC and captains that 4 minutes remain in the 2Q.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On a direct hand to hand or shotgun snap from snapper to the QB the ball immediately falls to the ground and the officials throw their BB’s.

2. After an interception the LJ signals TO (2X) and the R then signals the new direction.

3. After A2 is downed near A’s SL he is very close to the LTG. The R signals TO (2X) and then signals to bring the chains in for a measurement. The BJ comes and places his hand on the ball for the measurement. The ball is short of the LTG and the R picks up the ball and chains from the ground and to spot the ball on the nearest HM. The LJ holds the spot with his foot.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During a 8th grade game the varsity team is practicing next to the field on a practice field. During a play the players stop because they hear a whistle by the varsity coaches on the practice field.

2015 Quiz 9 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. Quarterback A1 drops back and throws a forward pass toward the sideline to A2 who is behind the neutral zone. B1 blocks A2 with a legal block behind the line prior to A2 touching the ball. The pass falls incomplete. The Wing official throws a flag for DPI as B1 didn’t give A1 the opportunity to move toward or catch the pass. Where do we administer the foul?

2. Prior to the game starting, A85 is noticed to have professionally manufactured compression shorts that have knee pads built in. The knee pads are 1⁄2 inch thick shock absorbing material. A85’s pants then cover the knee and knee pads. But, A85 doesn’t have knee pads in the pockets of his/her pants. Legal?

3. After their Try, the KT’s KO is kicked into the ground at the KT 44 YL and the ball rebounds into the air. K27 jumps up and bats the ball towards RT’s goal line at the KT’s 47 YL. The ball is recovered by K44 at RT’s 42 YL. Who’s ball is it and at what YL?

4. With the score 14 for the HT and 12 for the VT, the HT has the ball 4th and 15 from their own 3 YL. There is 18 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter. The HT kicker K1 is punting into a very strong wind. The wind holds up K1’s kick and R44 calls for a fair catch and catches the ball at their +12 YL. What are RT’s options at this time?

5. During a Try, the holder (K14) of the place­kick Try flips the ball backward over his shoulder to the kicker (K44) who throws a pass to eligible K19. K14’s knee was on the ground when he/she pitched the ball to K44. Legal?

6. During a Try, K22 comes in as the snapper. He is in the middle of the formation with four other linemen numbered 50 to 79 surrounding him. K22’s snap goes over the head of holder (K15) and after rising; K15 secures the football and immediately looks down­field for a receiver. K15 throws a pass to K22 who went into the end­zone after seeing K15 scrambling around in the backfield. Touchdown?

7. It is third and 6 from A’s 45 YL. A1 advances to B’s 30 where B1 grabs his face mask/helmet opening in attempting the tackle. Before A1 can be tackled he/she hands off to A2 who is subsequently tackled on the 20 YL. Where is the basic spot of enforcement if A accepts the penalty for B1’s foul?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. In play #3 above, would the officials throw a bean bag or a flag at the KT47?

2. What is the IP for the Wings if during a Try the KT takes a muddle huddle position after breaking the huddle? Would the Wings need to change their IP if the KT legally shifts to a traditional kicking formation?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Just prior to the 2nd half kick­off, the game is suspended for inclement weather. After waiting 30 minutes from the last time lightning flash sighted or thunder heard, the teams re­enter the field. Should the captains be asked if they want to change their choice of options?

2015 Quiz 8 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A Scrimmage kick by K1 is partially blocked in the NZ by R1. The kicked ball goes beyond the NZ where R2 muffs it back behind the NZ. K2 recovers behind the NZ and advances across R’s GL.

2. K, 3/10 @ K’s 10 YL. K1’s punt is blocked and recovered on K’s 4 YL and is simultaneously by K2 and R1.

3. K, 4/10 @ K’s 5 YL. K1’s punt is partially blocked and the kicked ball goes beyond the NZ in the air. R1 muffs the kicked ball in flight back behind the NZ. K1 recovers the kick in his EZ and takes a knee.

4. K1 attempts to down a punt beyond the NZ, but his touching only slow it down. The bouncing ball is subsequently recovered by R1, who advances 40 yards but then fumbles and K1 recovers. K1 is immediately tackled.

5. A, 3/9 @ B’s 20 YL. B1 leaps in the air over his 2YL and has A’s pass in his grasp. He returns to the ground on his 1 YL and his momentum carries him back into his EZ where he is downed.

6. Time expires for the 2Q as A11 runs the ball beyond the LTG and A11 then throws a forward pass to A9 who scores a TD.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The Crew arrives at an 8th grade game and walks to the center of the field and yells to both ends of the field “coach I need your captains”. They conduct the CT and options, then get A’s ball and place it at the 35YL and blow the whistle and tell the coaches “let’s go”.

2. R tells his crew in the locker room he called RT for running into the kicker. He says “I always defer to running into vs. roughing when I am in doubt”.

3. A, 2/8 @ A’s 4YL. At the snap the HL and LJ stay @ the 4YL and then move up field as the play dictates.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Crew places the ball 1/10 @ B’s 10 YL for OT. There were 3 overtimes (6 different possessions) that were all started from the 10 YL.

2015 Quiz 7 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. On a Try, A is going for 2 points. Quarterback A1 scrambles back to the 16 YL where he is tackled by the facemask.

2. A 2nd & 8 @ B45 YL.A20 advances the ball to the B26 YL. During the play the BJ throws is flag for B having 12 players during the play.

3. Ball carrier A1 is running in the free blocking zone and B1 grabs A1’s jersey collar opening from behind and pulls him backward to the ground.

4. A 1st & 10 from A’s 5 YL. A1 drops back into his end zone, where he is tackled by the tooth and mouth protector that is attached to the facemask, and fumbles. The ball rolls out of bounds at A’s 3 YL.

5. When the R determines a player is injured after the down, he immediately calls an officials time­out. He directs both teams outside the 9 yard marks. Both Wings notify their teams that the coaches must remain off the field, in the team box.

6. KT lines up for a free­kick with 4 KT players on one side of the kicker and 6 KT members on the other side of the kicker K44. After the R’s ready­for­play signal, K44 runs toward the football and as he reaches the ball he spins around 180 degrees and uses the heel of his foot to kick the football. An instant before K44’s heel contacts the football the other foot touches KT’s free­kick line.

7. Fourth & 11 from K’s 36 YL. While KT’s punt was in flight, beyond the expanded neutral zone, R6 was guilty of holding K3 at R’s 32 YL. The kick goes into the end zone.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Second and four for A on their +11yard­line. The BJ takes his IP on the EL preparing for a pass.

2. If the HL has a balanced line on his/her side and also has the closest player off the LOS, he/she would only need to hold & punch back with their arm until the snap.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the pre­game (crew/head coach) conference the HC notifies the crew that one of his players has an artificial leg. The HC says they have a letter of approval from the OHSAA, and provides that letter to the R. Since the player has an artificial leg, no special padding needs inspected by the U.

2015 Quiz 6 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. Wide receiver A85 while running his route steps on the sideline at B’s 40 YL, returns inbounds at B’s 36 YL, and catches a pass. He then runs to B’s 20 YL where he is tackled.

2. With time expiring in the second or fourth period and A behind in the score, A1 intentionally throws the ball forward to the ground in order to stop the clock. A1’s action took place immediately after receiving the snap while A1 was lined up 3 yards deep.

3. KT’s punt goes approximately 35 yards downfield in the air where it lands on the foot of a KT player then continues to roll another 35 yards where it is downed by KT.

4. A’s ball third and six from B’s 16 YL. A11’s forward pass is simultaneously controlled near the EL by airborne A82 and B31. Both have control of the ball when they land in the EZ, with B31’s feet inbounds in the EZ, and A82’s feet landing on top of players. They then go immediately out of bounds over the EL.

5. On fourth and four from A’s 35­yard line, KT comes to the line in a scrimmage formation. After calling a few signals, A1 says “shift.” All 11 players then make a movement. Some players move to a new position for a scrimmage­kick formation, while four interior linemen remain in place and move from a hands­on­thighs position to an upright position and finally to a three point stance.

6. During a Try, R1 jumps and steps on the back of snapper A1 immediately after the snap as he propels himself into the air in an attempt to block the kick. The Try kick is good.

7. During a field goal attempt, R5 who is in the EZ leaps up and touches the ball which caroms through the uprights, above the crossbar.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Prior to the snap, what signal should the Wings use on 2nd,3rd or 4th down when is A is close to a first down , indicating they should pinch in once the ball is dead?

2. If, during a Try­Kick, KT fakes a kick and runs the ball, what should be the Wings R&R?

OHSAA Regulations

1. True or False? Only a blue bean bag can be used in Varsity games?

2015 Quiz 5 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. First and 10 @ A’s 40 YL. QB sets up to throw a pass. Defender B1grabs and twists the QB’s face­ mask. QB breaks free from that face mask, runs a few yards and then throws a forward pass which is caught by A 80 at B’s 40 YL. Do we have a roughing the passer penalty that would move the ball to B’s 25 or would we have a 15 yard face mask foul from the previous spot?

2. A 85, in the end zone and near the end line, jumps high to catch a pass. A 85, after catching the pass, while in the air, is contacted by B 25 so that he comes down out of bounds. Had he not been contacted, he would have come down in the end­zone.

3. 2nd and 10 @ A’s 30 YL. A1 takes the snap and throws a legal forward pass downfield where B1 intercepts. While the pass was in the air, A7 commits OPI on A’s 44 YL. B1 returns the interception 15 yards then fumbles at A’s 20 YL and A 8 recovers the ball at A’s 15 YL.

4. After a down a B lineman (on the LOS) asks the U to watch an A lineman (on the LOS) that is blocking below the waist, in the free blocking zone, as the QB is in the shot gun position. The U tells the A lineman that he can’t block below the waist from a 2 point stance since his QB is in the shot gun.

5. Third and 10 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 gains 10 yards and is downed on B’s 30. A2 taunts B1 during the run.

6. After A1 scores a touchdown, he is struck by B1. The A HC then insults a game official before the penalty for the personal foul by B1 is administered.

7. R1 is running near a sideline as he attempts to catch a free kick in flight. R1 has one foot on the sideline, when he reaches through the plane of the sideline. The ball bounces off his hands and lands out of bounds.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. How does the IP for the Wings differ in Reverse Mechanics (RM) from Goal Line Mechanics (GLM)?

2. Pre­snap: How should the wings use their feet to show A players where the LOS is?

OHSAA Regulations

1. On which YL would the offense normally start on after their opponent’s safety in an 8th grade game?

2015 Quiz 4 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/8 @ K’s 2 YL. K1 punts the ball and R1 gives a valid fair catch signal. R2 catches the ball and R’s HC informs the LJ he wants to attempt a free kick after fair catch.

2. The free kick KO by K1 is possessed by R1 who is airborne & alights with one foot in contact with the sideline at the RT’s 26 YL.

3. A, 2/9 @ A’s 25 YL. A1 completes a forward pass to A2 @ B’s 40 YL where A2 is immediately tackled. B1 roughs A1 after the pass is thrown. The R signals the penalty and then penalty declined; 1/10 for A @ B’s 40 YL. The HC argues he wants the penalty and the R states this is a loose ball foul that will be enforced from the previous spot and it’s more advantageous to decline to penalty.

4. A, 3/5 @ A’s 30 YL. A2 (snapper) is blocking when his helmet comes off at A’s 32 YL. A2 hustles to the A 36 YL and continues to block B1. The U blows his whistle and signals to stop the GC due to A2’s helmet coming off.

5. A, 2/10 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 hands the ball off to A2 (right guard) who turns and faces his EL and is 2 yards behind the LOS when he receives the ball. A2 is downed at B’s 28 YL. The U throws a flag for illegal handing.

6. A, 2/10 @ B’s 35 YL. A1 is a receiver and is lined up 3 yards from the SL at the snap. The ball is advanced 1 yard. A1 simply blocks B1. A1 then goes back on his side of the NZ still 3 yards from the SL and never went inside the numbers since the last snap. The ball is snapped and the LJ throws a flag for illegal formation for A1 not being inside the 9 yard marks prior to the snap.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Sub varsity game. A, 3/10 @ B’s 30 YL. A2 is lined up in an eligible position but is numbered 71. A2 catches a forward pass and scores a TD. The U flags A2 for illegal touching.

2. During a sub varsity game (4 man mechanics) the veteran R tells the U to keep the 25 second PC since he is facing the QB.

3. On a penalty called by the U there is confusion how the penalty is to be administered. The Crew gets together and the R tells the U he needs to explain what he thinks. The LJ starts to talk and the R says “he threw the flag this is between the U and I only”.

OHSAA Regulations

1. After the opening CT the R signaled the options to the PB and immediately after he heard thunder. The game was suspended immediately. After multiple lightning and thunder suspensions the teams decided to suspend the game until Saturday night. The Crew went back on Saturday and brought the captains to midfield 20 minutes prior to KO and asked each team if they wanted to change their options. They did NOT re-toss.

2015 Quiz 3 - Your Call

This week’s Your Call is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. The clock is running with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth period as A1 drops back about 4 yards and intentionally grounds a forward pass to stop the clock. The penalty is accepted. The R starts the clock on the ready (Consume/conserve Rule) following penalty enforcement and time expires before A can snap the ball.

2. After the ready for play and prior to the ball being kicked, the KT has five players to the left of the kicker and five players to the right of the kicker with the ball spotted at the KT40. Prior to the ball being kicked, player K 80 has both feet clearly beyond the KT35 (toward midfield) but his hand is touching behind the KT35 (toward K’s goal line).

3. During the second down of a series, the game clock goes directly from 1:45 to: 45 and is not detected. Following third down, time expires for the second period. Before the R has indicated the period has officially ended (S14), the error is discovered.

4. During third down, time expires for the first period. A lineman held on the play which ended four yards short of the line to gain. B declines the penalty forcing forth down and a probable punting situation. Will the period be extended?

5. At the end of the fourth period, the score is tied. After the last timed down, A40 commits a dead ball personal foul.

6. During live ball action, A is flagged for two fouls and B commits one.

7. A leads 21­20 with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. It is A’s ball fourth and 1 yard to go on A’s 45 YL. A1 muffs the snap and A2 holds while the ball is loose. B1 recovers and advances to A’s 1 YL where he is downed. During B1’s advance, B2 clips at A’s 10 YL and time expires during the down. In an effort to prevent a double foul, B declines the penalty for A2’s foul. The captain of A then wishes to decline the penalty for B2’s foul.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. In a freshman game, A79 lines up as a flanker off the LOS. He goes down field and catches a pass for a first down. The wing throws his flag and tells the R he has an illegal touching foul on A79.

2. A’s quarterback throws a short “pitch” to the full back. The wing and R rule the “pitch” is a backward pass even though the “pitch” is parallel with the runner’s end line. Both officials yell “back” and punch back to indicate the backward pass.

OHSAA Regulations

1. True or False? The OHSAA point differential rule applies to 7th and 8th grade games.

2015 Quiz 2 - Rules Geek

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A1 is wearing tinted sunglasses under his helmet which has a clear visor attached. The U informs A’s HC this is not permitted since A1 is wearing a visor.

2. A1’s fumble rolls OOB @ B’s 25 YL. The GC will start on the R’s RFP signal after the U spots the ball.

3. Before the game the VT HC complains to the crew about the EZ pylons being yellow in color. The R informs the game management pylons are required to be orange.

4. A scores a TD during the last timed down of the 1Q. B1 is flagged for roughing the passer on the successful 2 pt. try. A accepts the penalty and the R announces the quarter will be extended for the free kick.

5. K, 4/10 @ K’s 20 YL. K1’s short punt is muffed by R1 @ K’s 30 YL. The loose ball rolls behind the neutral zone and K2 recovers the loose ball @ K’s 18 YL. K2 throws a forward pass to eligible K3 but the pass falls incomplete. The R signals 1/10 for R at the KT’s 20 YL.

6. A, 2/5 @ B’s 25 YL. After breaking the huddle A’s linemen come to the LOS and get set. B1 yells “shift red” and B’s linemen abruptly shift. A1 false starts as B’s linemen shift. The LJ informs the R it was B’s shift that caused A to false start. The R signals encroachment on B.

7. A1 is illegally in motion at the snap. A2 throws a legal forward pass that is intercepted by B1 who scores a TD. The R announces B has chosen to have the penalty enforced on the Try.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During the CT the HT speaker for the toss comes out without his game jersey or shoulder pads on and only wearing his football pants and a compression shirt. The R informs the HT HC all captains must be legally equipped for the CT.

2. The chain crew is dressed with striped referee shirts. The HL informs the chain crew they may not be dressed in striped shirts and must change into something else or cover the shirts with other attire.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the first scrimmage down of the game the R notices the HT is using a drone over the field. The drone is not interfering with the game, however the R informs game management the drone is not permitted to be flown over the playing field during the game.

2015 Quiz 1 - Your Call

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Dave Ramsey in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A K1 attempt to down a punt beyond the neutral zone, but his touching slows it down. The bouncing ball is subsequently recovered by R1, who advances 25 yards, but then fumbles and K2 recovers. K2 is immediately tackled. Where, if anywhere, can the RT get the football?

2. K2, running toward RT’s end zone, leaps in the air to catch K1’s punt which is in flight. K2 has the ball in his grasp over the 1 YL, but first touches the ground in RT’s end zone. No player of the RT is in position to catch the punt.

3. A scrimmage kick by K1 is partially blocked in the neutral zone by R1. The kick goes beyond the neutral zone where R2 muffs it back behind the neutral zone. K2 recovers behind the neutral zone and advances across R’s goal line.

4. With third and 10 on K’s 10­yard line, K1’s punt is blocked and recovered on K’s 4­yard line simultaneously by K2 and R1.Will it be forth down for K or first down for R?

5. K1’s punt beyond the neutral zone hits the ground. The ball bounces high into the air. R3 gives a fair catch signal. K3 slightly bumps R2 before R2 completes the catch. Did K commit Kick catching interference (KCI)?

6. R1 is in position to catch a punt. K2 runs downfield to a point about a foot in front of R1 as the ball descends. R1 catches the punt with having to adjust his position due to K2’s location. K2 immediately tackles R1. Has K committed KCI?

7. What choices does the RT have if the KT commits KCI?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Late in the football game A leads by a score of 28 – 20. A’s HC notifies the Wing, who immediately notifies the R of A’s plans to “take a knee”. Both officials note that B has no remaining time outs. The R and wing immediately notify A players and HC to “protect themselves” as the Victory Formation is not in effect should they continue.

2. An eligible pass receiver runs downfield close to the sideline where the wing moves in extremely close in order to better see the catch.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the first scrimmage of the season a player is ejected for fighting. The official asks the coach for information in order to complete the OHSAA ejection form online. The coach mentions that this player wasn’t expected to play in the next scrimmage anyway. The official informs the head coach that this player will be ineligible to play week 1 of the season.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 9

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/10 @ K’s 30 YL. K1 punts the ball beyond the NZ. R1 gives an invalid FC signal. A flag is thrown on R1 yet no whistle is blown to end the down as the signal was invalid.

2. K1’s KO is muffed by R1 at RT’s 3 YL, the ball rolls across R’s GL. R1 picks up the ball in his EZ and is downed at R’s 25YL.

3. A, 4/1 @ A’s 40 YL. B1 enters the field and assumes his position as a punt returner. B1 then realizes A’s not punting and immediately leaves the field. After the snap A1 is stopped short of the LTG.

4. On a Try A’s captain informs the U they want the ball placed on the right side HM. The R sounds the RFP then A1 calls TO. After the TO A’s captain requests the ball to be moved to the center of the field.

5. A, 3/7 @ B’s 25 YL. At the snap A77 (tackle) goes 4 yards downfield. Realizing he should not be downfield he retreats behind the NZ. A2 then throws a forward pass to A3 at B’s 15 YL.

6. During a successful 2 pt. Try B1 roughs the passer.

7. Prior to the opening KO KT is not on the field to start the game. The R flags the KT for a 5 yard delay of game penalty.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On Try-Run A1 is downed just short of the GL. The LM & LJ both mark FWP.

2. It is a very rainy and muddy night. A2 goes OOB without contact. A2 comes back in and catches A1’s forward pass. The LJ drops his BB where A2 went OOB and his flag where A2 re-entered.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The PC must be corrected a 4th time. The R informs the HT PB to turn the PC off and that the PC will be kept on the field by the BJ.

2014 Black and White – Quiz 12

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. K is attempting a FG. The holder receives the snap and then, with his knee on the ground, (a) passes the ball over his head to K7 who throws a forward pass to A87 for a TD, or (b) passes the ball forward to up back A26 who runs for a first down.

2. A, 3/7 at B’s 37 YL. QB A10 rolls out and throws the ball forward from B’s 32 YL. The pass is incomplete. The LJ has a flag for an ineligible down field. The R has a flag for an illegal FP. Ruling: A, 4/7 at B’s 37 YL. Rule 7-5-12 says, “…Ineligible A players may not advance beyond

3. If the runner is hit and his helmet comes off and the ball becomes loose simultaneously,what is the ruling? Is the ball dead for a runner’s helmet coming off or live because the player ceases to be a runner when the ball becomes loose?

4. With the Point Differential Rule in effect and with two minutes left in the game,(a) the HC of the winning team says he is not going to snap the ball again and take multiple delay of game penalties or, (b) with A behind on their own 35 YL the B’s HC yells out “special”, and one of his players walks across the LOS and contacts an A player. The HC continues to call “special” hoping to run out the clock.

5. A, 2/8 at A’s 40 YL. QB A7 takes the snap, drops back and throws a screen pass to eligible A24 who is at A’s 38 YL. A24 muffs the ball into the air and lineman A75 catches the ball behind the LOS at A’s 37 YL and (a), carries the ball forward to the 50 YL, or (b), carries the ball forward, is hit and fumbles the ball at B’s 45 YL.

6. A, 2/15 at A’s 5 YL. A10 drops back to pass, and is sacked five yards deep in the EZ by B99 who makes the tackle by twisting A10’s face mask.

7. A, 3/18 at A’s 8 YL. The clock is running with about a minute remaining in the first half. A66 commits a false start.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Coin toss. The R signals the team receiving, and then taps the shoulder of the team who won the toss, and signals deferring to the second half.

2. On a FK return, the LJ is even with the ball carrier when he is tackled.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Week 11 (playoffs). One of the teams submits their Nike game balls they have used all year for approval.

This is the last Black and White Quiz for 2014. I hope the quizzes helped make you a better official. Thanks for all your plays and comments. Good luck to those working the playoffs.

2014 Black and White – Quiz 11

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 3/G on B’s 4 YL. After a TO, A is set on their LOS when all four defensive B players do a coordinated “belly flop” on the ground which causes A 68 to false start.

2. A, 1/10 at B’s 38 YL. QB A2 takes the snap and runs to his right. A2 stops and turns to his left and throws a backward pass to A37 about 15 yards from A2. After A2 throws the pass he is hit by B54 and knocked to the ground. A37 runs the ball to B’s 35 YL. The HC of A confronts the LOS official and wants B penalized for RTP.

3. Can the snapper be hit on a “muddle huddle” play if they (a), snap and kick, or (b), the snapper goes out for a pass?

4. A, 4/21 at B’s 24 YL. A10 completes a pass to A88 who runs to B’s 4 YL where he throws a forward pass to A81 who runs into B’s EZ. In (a), time expires during the play in the second period, or in (b), the play happens during the middle of the second period.

5. A-21, B-29. A, 4/9 at B’s 21 YL with 5 seconds on the GC in the fourth quarter. QB A7 throws a legal forward pass to A18 who catches the ball for a TD. Time expires during the down. A scores a successful two point Try. In (a), B17 commits DPI during the Try, or (b), B17 commits an UNS foul after the Try. How should the R explain the options on the coin toss?

6. B34 recovers A’s fumble and returns the ball for 20 yards before being tackled by A73 who grasps B34’s FM. During B34’s run B29 clips.

7. The game clock is stopped because A44 is bleeding. A then requests a TO during which A44 receives medical treatment, his bleeding stops and the wound is covered. Can A44 return to the game after the TO?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. In Quiz 8 the ruling stated that all dead ball fouls are enforced separately and in the order of their occurrence. They do not offset.

2. On a short first down measurement outside of the HMs, the R picks up the football and chain and repositions the ball at the nearest HM.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The U/LM notifies the VT with a 4 minute warning at halftime and then return to the field. The VT is late returning to the field.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 8

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/10 @ K’s 40 YL. 2 seconds left in the 2Q. K1’s punt is away as time expires in the 2Q. After the down K1 piles on, then R2 punches K1 and then K1 punches R2. R signals all dead ball fouls offset and raises the ball indicating the end of the 2Q. He also signals K1 and R2 are disqualified.

2. During a kick Try B1 holds and the Try is successful. R explains to A’s HC that the option is to decline the penalty and the Try is good or take the penalty and re-try the untimed down.

3. A, 4/G @ B’s 2 YL. Runner A1 is pushed in the back by A2 at B’s 1 YL. A1 goes forward and the LJ signals TD.

4. A, 3/4 @ B’s 48 YL. A1 advances to B’s 45 YL. During the run B1 holds. The penalty is accepted. At the end of the down: 03 remain in the 3Q. Because the penalty was the only reason the GC was stopped, it is started with the RFP signal and the 3Q ends before A snaps the ball. The R signals there will be an untimed down.

5. A, 2/G @ B’s 5 YL with: 12 seconds remaining in the 4Q. A1 advances to the 1 YL. After the ball is dead, B1 fouls. The GC is stopped with: 05 remaining in the 4Q. The GC is restarted when the ball is marked RFP. Before A can snap the ball, time expires.

6. A, 3/12 @ B’s 24 YL. A1 breaks free on B’s 20 YL and is near B’s GL on a run which will score the go ahead TD. Just before entering the EZ, A1 turns and taunts B1. Time in the 4Q expires during the run.

7. A1 receives the snap behind his own GL. A1 advances, but is tackled and the ball becomes dead with its foremost point in the field of play, but part of the ball is in A’s EZ.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The crew decides that they will wrap the balls of their flags in pink tape for cancer awareness.

2. K’s KO goes OOB at R’s 31 YL. The LJ throws his flag high into the air and goes to the spot where the ball went OOB and stops there. The BJ runs to the HC and gives K’s coach his penalty choices.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Some players stop or slow down during a down from a whistle in the stands.

2014 Black and White – Quiz 10

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A scores a TD and is now behind 47 – 46. They elect to attempt a 2 point Try. QB A13 rolls right and throws to A86 close to the SL and about 6 yards deep in the EZ. The LJ signals TD. At the same time the BJ comes over and signals incomplete pass and throws his hat for A86 stepping OOB before the catch. No flag has been thrown as yet. The officials get together and discuss the play. A foul for illegal touching by A86 is called for stepping OOB before the catch. They inform A’s HC that the game is over as illegal touching carries a LOD provision. A loses 47 – 46. The LJ, during the crew discussion and with less than 5 years experience, knew the foul was not illegal touching, but should be illegal participation with a replay of the Try. He was over ruled by two more veteran officials.

2. A, 3/7 at B’s 30 YL. Eligible receiver A89 goes OOBs on his own. After returning inbounds he is interfered with by B17 and the pass falls incomplete.

3. Late in the fourth quarter and with A behind, A7 is in a “shotgun” formation. A16, who is a running back, is lined up behind the left tackle. A7, after not finding an open receiver and wanting to stop the clock, throws the ball forward at the feet of A16 who has turned back toward A7.

4. K, 4/8 on K’s 40 YL. The snap goes over punter K2’s head. He retreats to K’s 15 YL and punts the ball from there. The kick only goes to K’s 35 YL where (a) R69 muffs the ball and K49 falls on it at K’s 33 YL, or (b) K35 picks up the ball and runs to K’s 49 YL.

5. Last play of the second quarter. The VT throws a TD pass as time expires. During the play A (VT) is called for holding. The penalty is accepted and the officials tell the VT HC that the half is over as you only extend the period on a defensive foul.

6. After K’s FK and while the untouched kick is in flight downfield, R33 blocks holder K3 at K’s FK line. The block is above the waist and from the front.

7. K, 4/6 from R’s 30 YL. K’s unsuccessful FG attempt strikes the ground beyond R’s EL. While the kick is in flight, R15 holds K3 at R’s 25 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. K’s punt rolls OOB downfield and the LJ goes beyond the spot, turns, raises his hand, and looks back at the R to chop.

2. When can the R signal the result of a Try?

OHSAA Regulations

1. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this, the crew of officials have decided to wear pink wrist bands and use pink flags. Is this allowed?

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 7

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 3/10 @ A’s 30 YL. A1 catches a forward pass and is running down the field. B1 comes up quickly and with his head up drives his facemask into A1’s chest and simultaneously wraps his arms around A1 and takes him to the ground at B’s 34 YL. LJ throws a flag for targeting.

2. K, 4/10 @ K’s 25 YL. K is in Scrimmage kick (punt) formation. K1 receives the snap, tucks the ball, and runs to his right. R1 is bearing down on K1 when K1 raises the ball at the last second and kicks it rugby style. R1 didn’t tip the ball. R1 cannot stop his charge and runs into K1. The R doesn’t throw a flag for running into or roughing the kicker.

3. This one is unfortunately called on the defense a lot! K, 4/4 @ K’s 45 YL. K is in scrimmage kick formation (punt). K lineman comes to the LOS and gets into a 2 point stance. K2 starts calling out verbal signals and suddenly all K lineman abruptly and quickly go to a 3 point stance. 3 of the RT lineman encroach upon this abrupt movement by the KT lineman. The LJ and LM throw a flag and signal encroachment on RT.

4. R1 is standing at his GL on a deep KO. R1 steps forward and catches the kicked ball with his left foot on R’s GL. The ball when R1 catches is between the 1 YL and R’s GL. R1 starts to advance but the R signals a TB since R1’s foot was on the GL.

5. K, 4/10 @ K’s 20 YL. K1 punts the ball and during the punt R1 is flagged for holding K2 on R’s 45 YL. There is no R player in position to catch the ball and K3 muffs the ball at R’s 30 YL. The ball bounces back to R’s 22 YL where R2 picks up the ball and is downed at K’s 45 YL. The R signals holding on R1 and states this is a PSK violation and enforces the penalty from the spot of K3’s first touching (R’s 30 YL).

6. The Johnny Manziel play vs. the Ravens. A1 and A2 run toward their SL and A4 comes into the game as a substitute. A1 stops on the field near the SL outside of the 9 yd. marks while A2 goes into his team box. A1 is facing his SL and his HC is yelling at him at the snap. A4 throws a forward pass to A1 who advances the ball 15 yards.

7. Prior to the snap on a Try-Kick all offensive lineman have their feet behind the lineman next to them (locked legs). The ball is snapped and the kick is good.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/10 @ B’s 10 YL. A is ahead by 40 pts with: 38 seconds remaining in the 4Q. B is out of TO’s. A’s HC informs the LJ his QB is taking a knee. The LM informs B’s HC that A is taking a knee. The R yells out to all players “protect yourself Gentlemen this play is still live”.

2. Between downs A’s HC keeps walking to the bottom of the 9 yard marks to relay plays to his QB.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Before the game the HT HC informs the R one of his players is wearing a cast. The R asks for a medical letter from the player’s doctor.

2014 Black and White – Quiz 9

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. K, 4/7 at R’s 24 YL. K’s FG try is unsuccessful and the crew spots the ball at R’s 24 YL, 1/10.

2. After the LM marks FP on a play that results in a first down for the VT, a member of the chain crew makes a derogatory comment about the LM’s forward progress spot. The LM then throws a flag for UNS conduct on the HT for the chain member’s comment.

3. FK from K’s 40 YL. While the FK is in flight, R35 blocks below the waist at R’s 42 YL. The ball rolls to R’s 7 YL where R1 muffs the ball and it breaks the plane of R’s GL.

4. A, 3/7 on B’s 20 YL. A12’s forward pass is intended for A86 near B’s GL. B22 leaps into the air at B’s2 YL and grasps the football. His momentum carries him through the air and he returns to the ground in the EZ where he takes a knee.

5. A10 throws a screen pass to A26 behind the LOS. A66 and A78 have gone downfield on the play. The ball goes off the hands of A26 and crosses the LOS where it is caught by A88 for a first down.

6. A, 3/7 on A’s 40 YL. A17 hands off to A28 who is hit behind the LOS and fumbles the ball at A’s 36 YL. As the ball is rolling toward the SL, A17 attempts to recover the ball, but muffs it OOB at A’s 30 YL. After the ball goes OOB, A28 shoves B34 and is flagged for a PF at A’s 36 YL. Where is the penalty enforced: from the spot of the fumble, the spot of the foul or the OOB spot?

7. A, 4/10 at B’s 20 YL. A8 goes 1 yard beyond the LOS and throws a pass that is intercepted by B11 at B’s 2 YL where he is down. What are B’s options?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A runs a play in which they send a man in motion and when he is in front of the QB, the QB throws a short “shovel” pass. The distance of the pass is minimal and if not completed can look like a fumble. What mechanics should the R use to be able to correctly rule on such a play?

2. Can the coin toss be held prior to 20 minutes before the start of the game?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Late in a game, the crew of officials hears a rumble of thunder and stops the game. Game management approaches the crew and tells them that their meters do not detect any lightning in the area and wants the crew to complete the game.

2014 Black and White – Quiz 8

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A sets up for a two point Try in a “swinging gate” formation; the snapper is on the end of the LOS wearing number #22. There are six A players to the left of the snapper with five wearing 50 -79 numbers. A wide receiver is to the right of the snapper, but off the LOS. A22 snaps the ball to QB A10, and then goes into the EZ where A10 throws a pass to him for two points. Legal or illegal?

2. On a FK, RT has only has four players on their FK line (between their 45 and 50 YL). The U penalizes R for not having 5 R players on their FK line.

3. A, 2/5 at A’s 25 YL. A7’s pass is intercepted by B16 and returned to A’s 10 YL, where B16 fumbles. A26 recovers the ball inbounds at A’s 8 YL. Clock?

4. A, 4/5 on R’s 30 YL. During a successful FG, R13 grasps and twists K2’s FM at R’s 20 YL.

5. B36 intercepts A’s pass on B’s 4 YL with his momentum taking him into his EZ. While in the EZ, B36 fumbles the ball and (a) the ball rolls through the EZ, (b) the loose ball rolls back into the field of play and goes OOB at B’s 6 YL, or (c) the loose ball rolls back into the field of play and then is muffed back into the EZ where B23 falls on the ball.

6. Fourth quarter. A, 4/10 at A’s 47 YL. A is behind 14–7. A12 throws a legal FP to eligible A88 who makes an obscene gesture to B17 before he crosses the GL for a TD. Time expires during the down. The R rules that A loses 14-13 because you can’t extend the period for an UNS foul.

7. A89’s pants/knee pads cover his knees at the beginning of the play; however during the play his pants/knee pads ride up over his knees. This happens repeatedly during the game. Can the player continue to participate as long as he is compliant at the beginning of the play?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On KOs the BJ and U are to jog to the near HM on the 50 YL and stop-n-watch.

2. On multiple dead ball fouls, how should the R handle the enforcement?

OHSAA Regulations

1. A new high school field, funded by a professional soccer team, has been installed with permanent yellow soccer lines. For football games white lines are temporarily painted on the field. Is the field legally marked?

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 6

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. B1 intercepts A1’s forward pass in B’s EZ. B1 pitches the ball backwards to B2. B2 muffs the ball across the SL behind B’s GL.

2. K, 4/G @ K’s 8 YL. K is in punt formation. K1 muffs the snap but quickly recovers the ball. K1 throws a forward pass to ineligible K2, who is also in K’s EZ. K2 muffs the ball and it fall incomplete.

3. A, 3/8 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 is under heavy pressure, A1 throws a forward pass that accidentally hits ineligible A2 in the back @ B’s 38 YL. The U throws a flag for ineligible downfield on A2 and the LJ throws a flag for illegal touching on A2.

4. A, 2/5 @ A’s 45 YL. A1 (snapper) comes to the line and tilts the ball up to 90 degrees. B1 encroaches and the LJ throws a flag for a snap infraction on A1.

5. A, 3/5 @ B’s 30 YL. The R sets the ball RFP. A1 (snapper) places both of his hands on the ball. A’s HC changes the play from the SL and A1 takes one hand off the ball and turns and looks at his HC. The U throws a flag for a snap infraction.

6. A, 3/10 @ B’s 11 YL. Prior to the snap, B11 recognizes he is supposed to be in the game & he enters on A’s side of the neutral zone. B1’s HC yells at B11 and he immediately runs back into his team box. The ball is snapped before B11 gets to his team side. The R throws his flag for illegal substitution.

7. A, 4/G @ B’s 3 YL. A1 throws a forward pass that hits the U (who is inbounds) in the head. The ball rebounds into the air and eligible A2 catches it in B’s EZ. The LJ signals TD. The R informs the coaches there is no TD and the down will be replayed (do-over).

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/10 @ B’s 35 YL with 42 sec. remaining in the 4Q. B is out of TO’s and A is leading 28-20. A’s HC states to the LJ his QB will “take a knee” the remainder of the 4Q. The LJ makes the R aware A is taking a knee. The R communicates this to the B’s HC and he says he’s okay with it. The U signals TO and informs the R team A is only ahead by 8 pts and cannot take a knee unless it’s 9 points.

2. During the pregame conference the HT HC tells the crew that his team will onside kick most of the time in the game. The crew lines up with the LJ and LM at the RT’s GL for the first kick of the game.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Team A’s HC informs the crew in the pregame he has a player wearing an insulin pump. He says his doctor requires him to wear it at all times. He says it usually has a padded holder but the player forgot it at home so they have it tucked into the player’s pants. The HC shows the R a statement from his doctor.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 7

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. Late in the 4th quarter, A’s HC calls a TO. The LJ grants the TO. After granting the TO, the crew of officials realize that A does not have any TOs remaining. The crew penalizes A for an UNS foul.

2. K, 4/14 at K’s 42 YL. K17’s kick is caught by R26 on R’s 4 YL and his momentum carries him into R’s EZ where he is tackled. After the catch, but before R26 is tackled, R9 clips K52 (a) in R’s EZ, or, (b) at R’s 11 YL.

3. A1 is carrying the ball down the SL when B33 legally contacts him on the field of play, knocking A1 OOB. As A1 contacts the ground OOB his helmet comes off. Does A1 have to leave the game for a play if his helmet comes off after a play and OOB?

4. A scores a TD and during the down, B commits a 5 yard FM foul. A chooses to enforce the penalty on the KO. A runs for a successful 2 point Try and during the Try, B commits a 15 yard FM foul. A also chooses to enforce this foul on the KO. Are both fouls enforced on the KO since both fouls are live ball fouls?

5. B12 intercepts A16’s legal forward pass at midfield. At A’s 10 YL he is hit and the ball pops into the air. The ball is caught by A80 at A’s 4 YL and his momentum carries him into the EZ where he is downed.

6. A26 fumbles at B’s 4 YL and the ball rolls into the EZ. B66 bats the ball over the EL to prevent an opponent from recovering it.

7. In the 1st period A is warned and then later penalized 5 yards for SL interference for having more than 3 coaches in the restricted area. The same infraction occurs again in the third and again in the fourth period .How are these situations penalized?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On what type of play situations should a bean bag be used?

2. On a COP which officials should signal TO?

OHSAA Regulations

1. How should a crew handle teams leaving at the same end of the field?

2014 Black and White - Quiz 6

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

In Quiz 3, question #1, the third ruling is incorrect. R is the offended team, not the “offending” team. Also, the 25 yards beyond the FK line for a KOOB is considered a spot penalty and not a yardage penalty. Therefore, R will put the ball in play at R’s 20 YL.

Rules

1. A, 1/10 at B’s 25 YL. B35 intercepts A10’s pass in B’s EZ. During the return, B18 holds in B’s EZ and A76 tackles B35 by the face mask at B’s 15 YL.

2. A, 4/7 and is in a scrimmage kick formation. B13 realizing he is not on the punt return team and is the 12th player is attempting to leave the field when the ball is snapped. B13 is between his team’s HM and the SL when the ball is snapped. The officiating crew penalizes R 15 yards for illegal participation.

3. A gains a 1st down, but a dead ball UNS penalty is called. The crew sets the chains and then marks off the 15 yard penalty, A, 1/25.

4. A, 3/12 on B’s 35 YL. A12 throws an incomplete legal forward pass to the right side of the field. B6 holds A86 10 yards down field on the left side of the field. The LJ calls defensive holding on B6. The crew enforces a 5 yard penalty with an automatic first down.

5. A, 4/12 at B’s 45 YL with 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter. A5 drops back to pass, then decides to run. At B’s 30 YL he throws a forward pass to A89 in B’s EZ. Time expires during the play.

6. B1 intercepts A10’s pass at B’s 15 YL. B1 returns the interception along A’s SL and is downed at A’s 40 YL. During B1’s return, the LM (a), runs into a cameraman between the restraining line and SL, (b), has to run around an assistant coach (no contact), (c), runs into an assistant coach (contact) in the restricted area, or (d), runs into A’s HC (contact) on the field of play at the 50 YL.

7. After the end of a play, a fight breaks out between the teams. An injured player (in street clothes wearing his jersey) runs out onto the field and participates in the incident.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. With the Point Differential in effect and 25 seconds left in the game, the winning HC tells the crew he’s not going to snap the ball. The LJ, LM, U, and BJ all run off the field leaving the R standing behind the huddle with the clock at 22 seconds.

2. The LM, LJ, and BJ decide to have game balls of each team on both sides of the side lines making it easier to bring in a new ball when one goes OOB.

OHSAA Regulations

1. At the start of the game the VT runs out onto the field and begins to stomp on the HT’s logo at the 50 YL.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 5

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 3/10 @ A’s 20 YL. A1 catches a forward pass and advances to A’s 30 YL where he fumbles. A2 recovers the loose ball @ A’s 33 YL. B2 is flagged for roughing the passer. The crew enforces the penalty for roughing the passer from the previous spot since this was a loose ball play.

2. R1 catches a FK @ R’s 4 YL. He begins to run toward the opposite side of the field then runs back into his own EZ to avoid being tackled. R1 is then tackled in his EZ by K2 who is also flagged for grasping and twisting R1’s facemask. The R signals a TB and enforces the penalty from R’s 20 YL. 1/10 for R @ R’s 35 YL.

3. During the pregame conference the VT HC informs the R that he has 3 players on the SL wearing #12 due to dressing his freshmen and JV teams. The R tells the HC that players may not have identical numbers on his team.

4. 2 pt. Try. A1 fumbles the ball @ B’s 5 YL. The LJ blows the whistle and signals the Try has failed. The ball rolls into B’s EZ where prone A2 recovers the fumble.

5. Try. Holder K1 muffs the snap, the ball rolls on the ground, & K1 intentionally bats it forward at K’s 6 YL. K2 recovers the ball @ R’s 4 YL and carries the ball across R’s GL.

6. A, 3/3 @ B’s 10 YL. B1 runs up the LOS and stomps his foot hard on the ground and A2 flinches. The U throws a flag and signals UNS on B1.

7. A, 4/2 @ B’s 10 YL. A1 (snapper) comes to the LOS and places his hands on the ball. Then he removes his hands from the ball to fix his shoulder pad. The R has not marked the ball ready for play yet. The U throws flag for a false start on the snapper.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 3/5 @ B’s 15 YL. A1 carries the ball and is downed near B’s 15 YL. The LM blows his whistle and looks back over his shoulder to see if A1 has met the LTG. As the LM turns back around he sees B2 go to the ground.

2. During the pregame conference with the HT HC the R is required to ask if all players are properly equipped, Captain’s #’s, place kicker R/L footed, unbalanced line and if they have any unusual plays.

OHSAA Regulations

1. BJ suffers a knee injury. In order to take some of the responsibility off Joe the crew decides to add a 6th official to their crew to act as a field judge for the final 6 games of the year.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 4

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 2/10 @ B’s 37 YL. A1’s legal forward pass is intercepted by B1 @ B’s 3 YL. B1’s own momentum takes him into his EZ. While B1 is still in his EZ and before he is downed the BJ blows an inadvertent whistle. The BJ signals a TB and the crew places the ball at B’s 20 YL 1/10.

2. A, 3/24 @ B’s 40 YL. During A1’s run the LJ comes into contact with A’s HC in the restricted area at B’s 35 YL. The LJ drops a flag. A1 is then downed at B’s 15 YL. The R gives the signal for UNS on A’s HC. The crew enforces the 15 yd penalty from B’s 35 YL.

3. A, 2/15 @ B’s 45 YL. A2 (receiver) is near the SL at the snap. To avoid contact A2 runs OOB @ B’s 43 YL. He runs along the SL OOB for 6 yds. then returns to the field @ B’s 37 YL and blocks B5 after A3 catches a legal forward pass. The LM throws his hat at the spot where A2 went OOB and then the LM drops his flag at the spot where A2 blocked B5.

4. A, 4/10 @ A’s 10 YL. A1 rolls out up field and throws a forward pass @ A’s 12 YL. B1 intercepts A1’s pass @ B’s 40 YL. B1 runs the ball and is downed @ A’s 10 YL.

5. A, 2/8 @ A’s 25 YL. A1 drops back to pass. B1 grasps and turns A1’s facemask @ A’s 21 YL. A1 fumbles the ball. A2 recovers the fumble, advances it, and is downed @ B’s 10 YL.

6. A turns the ball over on downs. Before the ready for play signal B’s HC is flagged for UNS. The officials mark off the penalty and it’s now 1/25 for B.

7. A, 3/6 @ B’s 35 YL. The ball is snapped over A1’s head. A1 picks up the ball @ his 48 YL. Before A1 throws the ball A2 is flagged for holding @ the 50 YL. The U marks the penalty from the 50 YL to A’s 40 YL, 3/31. A’s HC argues that he’s being incorrectly penalized 25 yds. for a holding foul.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. K, 4/G @ K’s 15 YL. K1 (punter) is standing on K’s 3 YL. The R’s IP is in K’s EZ midway to the EL.

2. K, 4/G @ R’s 9 YL. K1’s FG attempt is wide right. The BJ and U signal no score (X2) and then the BJ waves his hands to the right (X2) indicating the kick was missed to the right.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the 2nd quarter the stadium lights go out on the South End of the field.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 5

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. K is attempting an onside kick. K1 drives the ball into the ground and the ball bounces high into the air and crosses R’s restraining line (breaks the plane). The ball is in the air and R36 is looking up at the ball at R’s 48 YL when K89 blocks R36 (not targeting). Is R36 a defenseless player?

2. K, 4/7 at B’s 15 YL. K13 is in position to kick. Holder K34, (a) fumbles the ball as he places it and he recovers the ball with his knee still on the ground and then rises and runs to B’s 7 YL & tackled, or (b), muffs the snap; the ball rolls away and K34 rises to recover and then returns to his knees to place the ball at B’s 22 YL.

3. A16 runs toward the right SL and is tackled at B’s 40 YL. During the run, A89 jerks B19’s helmet off while both are OOB at B’s 46 YL. Where is the penalty enforced?

4. A, 4/G on B’s 6 YL. A40 tries the left side and (a) with his feet still inbounds, extends the ball over the SL and breaks the plane of the GL extended. He is then knocked OOB before any part of his body crosses the GL, or (b) he dives and while airborne, the ball breaks the plane of the SL and then the GL extended.

5. The ball is snapped from the right hash mark. A77 is called for holding at the LOS in the center of the field. In (a) the play ends 8 yards behind the LOS on the left hash mark, or (b) the play ends 8 yards beyond the LOS at the left hash mark. Where is the penalty enforced from?

6. In order to gain a first down does the ball have to be beyond the foremost rod on the line to gain equipment?

7. A, 2/15 at A’s 2 YL. A18 is tackled just beyond the GL (inches) with the long axis of the ball parallel to the GL. How do you handle the placement of the ball?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. At the end of each play the LJ and LM are coming all the way in to the pile. Is this the correct mechanic for normal plays?

2. What is the proper mechanic for throwing the flag on dead ball fouls and fouls at the snap?

OHSAA Regulations

1. As the VT is being brought out from the stadium for the 2nd half, students from the HT start throwing debris on the players.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 3

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. R1 muffs a kickoff at R’s 10 YL. R3 intentionally kicks the loose ball into R’s EZ. K4 recovers the ball in R’s EZ. The R signals a TD for K.

2. A, 3/6 @ B’s 25 YL. : 03 remain in the 3Q. A1 throws a long pass, A2 is flagged for holding and B3 is flagged for a 5 yard facemask during the play. Time expires during the down. The R signals the fouls offset and then raises the ball signaling the end of the period.

3. A, 3/6 @ A’s 8 YL. A1 fumbles the ball and the ball is rolling slowly on A’s 3 YL. A2 is trying to get to the ball and he pushes B3 into the ball and the ball rolls into A’s EZ. A6 recovers the ball in the EZ and is immediately downed. The R signals a TB since B3’s touching of the ball caused the direction of the rolling ball to change.

4. A, 3/25 @ A’s 30 YL. A1 (passer) is rolling out and as he starts to run B2 grabs A1’s facemask and twists it. A1 breaks free and then completes a short pass to A2 at A’s 35 YL who is immediately hit and fumbles the ball. A3 then recovers the ball at A’s 37 YL. The crew enforces the penalty at the spot where A3 recovered the fumble.

5. Good Penalty enforcement question… TRICKY! A, 1/10 @ A’s 45 YL. A1 is sacked @ A’s 35 YL. During the down A2 is guilty of an illegal block below the waist @ A’s 47 YL. The crew enforces the foul from the 47 YL.

6. A, 2/20 @ B’s 25 YL. A breaks their huddle and comes to the line. All the A lineman stand straight up. A1 says “set” and all A lineman go into a 3 pt. stance except guard A2 who is arranging his shoulder pads. A3 goes in motion after which A2 goes into his 3 pt. stance. The ball is snapped while A3 is still in motion. A1 throws a TD pass to A4. No flag is thrown.

7. A, 1/10 @ A’s 45 YL. B1 intercepts A1’s forward pass @ B’s 35 YL. B1 runs the ball to A’s 20 YL where A2 grabs and turns B1’s facemask and B1 fumbles the ball. While the ball is loose, B3 clips A3 @ A’s 25 YL. A4 recovers the fumble and is tackled at A’s 17 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The BJ has to signal a foul prior to a KO. He has the KT’s ball in his hands. He tosses the ball to the kicker and then signals the foul and then asks the kicker for the ball and walks off the penalty yardage.

2. A’s ball 1/10 @ B’s 13 YL. The BJ’s pre-snap IP is on the GL.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During a down a whistle is heard in the VT stands. Ignore the whistle.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 4

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A16 is 30 yards beyond the LOS and in the clear when B55, in (a), is in pursuit and within 10 yards of A16, is “blind sided” by a legal block by A76, or (b), is more than 20 yards behind the play, and is not actively pursuing A16, and is “blind sided” by a legal block by A76.

2. A, 2/5 at B’s 20 YL. A24 is at B’s 5 YL when B27 charges from behind and knocks the ball from A24’s hands. The ball rolls into the pylon.

3. A, 3/7 at B’s 40 YL. A7 throws a legal FP that is intercepted by B18 at B’s 6 YL. B18’s momentum carries him to B’s 2 YL where he is hit by A87. B18 fumbles the football as a result of the contact and the ball bounces once inbounds and then strikes a pylon.

4. A’s FG is successful during the last play of the first quarter. B66 fouls by running into the kicker. A accepts the result of the play with enforcement of the penalty at the SS. Is the quarter extended for an untimed down?

5. A is at the LOS with the QB under center when B35 calls out “Go” or “Hike”. Are these legal defensive signals?

6. K, 4/11 at K’s 49 YL. K11’s punt lands at R’s 4 YL and bounces into the air. No R player is in the area to catch the kick. K 17 has sprinted downfield and turns and bats the football toward his own GL from R’s 2 YL. R9 recovers the ball on R’s 6 YL and attempts to return the kick, but retreats into his EZ where he is tackled.

7. A, 3/10 at A’s 30 YL. Eligible A88 goes OOB voluntarily at A’s 40 YL and returns inbounds at midfield. While a legal FP is in flight, B13 interferes with A 88. A10’s pass is incomplete.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On the opening KO, the wind has blown the ball off the tee two times. What mechanic is to be used after this situation?

2. The weather forecast has possible storms in the area. What should be a part of your pregame meetings?

OHSAA Regulations

1. For a game involving two nationally ranked teams, the crew of officials have decided to use a seven man crew. Is this legal?

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 2

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/8 @ R’s 49 YL. K1’s punt is partially blocked by R1 behind the NZ. R2 is in position to catch the ball behind the NZ. The ball hits K3 in the shoulder as it comes down and then hits the ground and R2 immediately recovers the ball.

2. After a fair catch by R the U sets the ball down near the VT’s HM. The R sets the ball RFP. Then RT’s HC asks for the ball to be moved to his side of the field on the HM.

3. R1 catches K1’s punt and then quickly gives a valid fair catch signal after he runs for 3 yds.

4. K1’s punt is high and short. K2 runs down and catches the kicked ball in flight beyond the NZ. No R player was in position or around the area where K2 caught the ball. The BJ throws a flag for KCI.

5. After K1 punts the ball, R1 runs forward to catch the ball and gives an invalid fair catch signal. The BJ throws a flag. R1 realizes the ball is over his head. So he doesn’t attempt to catch the ball and rather starts blocking K2 as he comes down the field.

6. K, 4/12 @ K’s 40 YL. K1 punts the ball and R1 muffs the ball at R’s 35 YL as he tries to catch it. K2 picks up the ball at R’s 25 YL and runs it for a TD.

7. K 4/10 @ R’s 35 YL. K1’s FG attempt is short and hits the ground at R’s 15 YL. K2 tries to pick up the ball @ R’s 10 YL but muffs it and then R2 recovers the ball @ R’s 5 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. After A1’s releases his pass the R must QUICKLY yell out “Balls Away” so B rushers know to stay off the passer.

2. During the DB interval between plays a team’s coaches are okay as long as they stays behind the wing officials position on the field no matter how far the wing official is away from his respective SL.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The time keeper arrives in the crew’s locker room around 6:30pm. He informs the crew that the PC operator will not be at the game. He asks the BJ if he will operate the visible stadium PC from the field. It’s actually a Ready Ref PC remote timer that goes on the operator’s belt.

2014 Rules Geek - Quiz 1

This week’s Rules Geek is prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/9 @ K’s 25 YL. K1’s scrimmage kick is blocked in the NZ by R1. The kick goes beyond the NZ and R2 muffs the ball back behind the NZ where K2 picks it up and advances it to R’s 45 YL where K2 is tackled.

2. K, 4/10 @ K’s 20 YL. K1’s punt is in flight, R2 is in position to catch the kick @ K’s 45 YL. K3 is close to R2 but doesn’t make contact. R2 has to step around K3 to catch the ball. R2 is downed at K’s 40 YL.

3. K, 4/7 @ K’s 2 YL. K’s scrimmage kick is high and short. R2 and R3 are both back and in position to receive the kick. R2 gives a legal fair catch signal, however R3 catches the ball. The BJ blows the play dead. R’s coach informs the officials he wants to free kick after the fair catch.

4. K, 4/6 @ R’s 10 YL. K1’s field goal attempt goes directly over the right upright of the goal post.

5. K, 4/15 @ K’s 10 YL. R3 is in position to receive K1’s scrimmage kick. After the kick R3 raises both of his hands and waves them around over his head and then catches the ball.

6. K, 4/15 A K’s 15 YL. K1 bobbles the long snap. As he picks up the ball and immediately rises to kick it he is tackled by R1. R throws a flag for roughing the kicker (RTK).

7. K, 4/8 @ R’s 15 YL. K lines up for a field goal attempt. The snap is high and the K1 rises off the ground to catch the high snap and yells “Fire”. He returns his knee immediately to the ground and then shuffle passes to K2. K2 runs the ball for a TD.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The situation indicates that K will potentially on-side kick. The LJ and LM disagree whether they should move up or not. The LJ moves up while the LM stays back.

2. After a TD the KT lines up in a muddle huddle near the HT SL. The LJ lines up between the SL and the numbers.

OHSAA Regulations

1. At a high school scrimmage the HT HC informs the crew that he plans to scrimmage his varsity for 2 hours and then his JV and Frosh combined for 2 more hours.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 3

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. After a successful Try, there is a PF against the RT. The penalty is enforced and K’s KO is from R’s 45 YL. The kick goes OOB untouched at R’s 10 YL. What are R’s options?

2. A22 on a sweep to the right, “straight arms” B55’s helmet in an attempt to avoid being tackled. Legal?

3. B36 is attempting to tackle QB A12 when he (a) makes illegal helmet contact, (b) grasps and pulls A12’s face mask, or (c) commits a horse collar tackle. The pass is thrown forward and incomplete. Same set of circumstances, but A12 keeps the ball and is tackled behind the LOS.

4. K1 identifies himself as the kicker to the BJ on a FK. K1 stays between K’s 35 –&40 YL after the RFP. There are 5 players on each side of K1. K2, who is standing next to K1, loops around K1, staying within the 5 yard belt, and kicks the ball.

5. Actual game. A is behind 22 – 20 with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter. A1, on fourth down, completes a forward pass that is close to a first down. The down field officials stop the clock and the R signals a first down. The chain crew moves to the new location. As the R slowly gets down field, he realizes that it’s not a first down. The R then rules that the ball is short of a first down and awards the ball to B. Can a correction be made?

6. A, 3/G at B’s 1 YL with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and A is behind by four points, A16 advances to the 1⁄2 YL. B13 commits a 5 yard face mask penalty during the play. The clock is stopped with five seconds remaining in the game. The clock is restarted when the ball is marked RFP. Before A can snap the ball, time expires.

7. A, 4/7 at B’s 42 YL. A26 runs OOB and picks up 6 yards. B6 commits a dead ball late hit. How should the R handle signaling?

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During the 2nd half with the Point Differential Rule in effect, K1 onside kicks the ball & K2 recovers the kick after it goes 10 yards & touches the ground. How is the clock handled?

2. After an incomplete pass the BJ throws the ball to the SL by bouncing it on the ground or kicks it to the ball persons.

OHSAA Regulations

1. With over a minute left in the game the VT’s HC, in frustration, walks onto the field with his team & concedes defeat. The time on the clock does not expire.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 2

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Free Kicks and Fair Catch

1. On a KO, K27 kicks the ball near the SL and it rolls OOB at R’s 20 YL. R’s captain elects to take the ball at his 35 YL and asks for it to be placed in the middle of the field.

2. On a FK from K’s 40 YL, K1 attempts an onside kick to the near side of the field. The ball is rolling in the NZ when R3 steps up to recover it. K1 blocks R3 away from the ball. The ball continues to roll across midfield where K2 recovers it on R’s 48 YL. Prior to K1’s block, R7 initiated contact with K8 on the far side of the field at K’s 46 YL.

3. K1’s KO is airborne over R’s 48 YL, but a gust of wind blows it back to K’s 47 YL where it touches the ground and K90 falls on the ball.

4. K1’s KO is driven into the ground off the tee and bounces high into the air. K2 out jumps R1 at R’s 49 YL and is downed there.

5. R1 gives a FC signal just as R44 begins to advance after catching a punt.

6. After a FC following a punt, A snaps the ball from B’s 45 YL. A24 gains 10 yards on a running play and during the down B58 grasped and pulled A24’s face mask. The play ends in a side zone. The penalty moves the ball to B’s 20 YL. A now wishes to try a FK for a FG and have the ball spotted in the middle of the field.

7. R1 is standing on his 30 YL and is struck on the shoulder by a punt that is beyond the NZ. After the ball has hit R1, R2 signals for a FC at R’s 25 YL. The ball rolls OOB at R’s 18 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. During the 2nd half with the Point Differential Rule in effect, runner A1 runs OOB. What mechanics are the crew of officials to use during the Point Differential Rule part of the game?

2. After the Try, there is a dead ball foul before the KO. What is the procedure the R and BJ are to use to enforce the dead ball foul?

OHSAA Regulations

1. In the first half an assistant coach receives an UNS for berating an official. During the second half the HC of the same team receives a UNS. The HC is ejected for two UNS.

2014 Black and White - Quiz 1

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Free Kicks and Fair Catch

1. K’s KO team is in a “starburst” formation (all players are in a huddle with the kicker in the center and between the 35 to 40 YL). After the RFP they sprint to their positions with at least 4 players on each side of the kicker.

2. After the RFP and prior to the ball being kicked, K has 6 players to the right of the kicker and 4 players to the left of the kicker. As K1 approaches the ball, K2 and K3, from the right side of the ball, “loop” around the ball so they are on the left side of the kicker when K1 tries an onside kick to the left side of their formation. K2 and K3 stay within the 35 to 40 YL.

3. After the RFP and prior to the ball being kicked, K has 6 players to the right of the kicker and 4 players to the left of the kicker. In (a), the kicker, K1, is a left footed soccer kicker which places him to the right side of the ball and places K2 between him and the ball or (b), K1 is a right footed soccer kicker which places him to the left side of the ball and places K3 between him and the ball.

4. After the RFP and prior to the ball being kicked, K has 5 players to the right of the kicker and 5 players to the left of the kicker. K1 is lined up at the K32 YL to begin his kick and all other K players are between the 35 to 40 YL. As K1 approaches the ball, he hesitates and K2 then kicks an onside kick.

5. R6 muffs a KO at the - 5 YL. In order to prevent K from recovering the ball R13 kicks the loose ball out of the back of the EZ.

6. K, 4/7 from K’s 34 YL. K1’s punt goes almost straight up. R1 signals for a FC at K’s 38YL. In (a), R1 catches the ball behind K’s LOS at K’s 31 YL and the LJ blows his whistle. In (b), K2 catches the ball behind the LOS at K’s 31 YL and the LJ blows his whistle.

7. K’s punt is beyond the NZ and R33 and R17 both signal for a FC. R33 muffs the ball and R17 is about to catch it when he is blocked by K15.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. HT scores on the TD and Try to go up 30 - 0 with 24 seconds left on the GC in the 4th quarter. The R winds the GC when he marks the ball RFP prior to the KO. The HT does not KO. Time expires on the GC.

2. HT is winning 49 – 0 at halftime. Both the HT and VT HC’s get together at halftime and agree to shorten the varsity game quarters; reducing them from 12 minutes to 8 minutes in the second half. Since the HC’s have reduced the quarter length, they ask the crew not to apply the new OHSAA Point Differential Rule.

OHSAA Regulations

1. After a controversial ending to a game, the R is approached by a member of the media asking for a clarification on the play at the end of the game.

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 11

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. K, 4/13 @ K’s 25 YL. Just after K1’s punt is airborne and untouched by R, K2 blocks R3. The block by K2 causes R3 to knock K1 to the ground while his kicking foot is still in the air. The R flags R3 for running into the kicker (RIK).

2. K, 4/18 @ K’s 40 YL. K1 is in punt formation and receives a high snap. K1 recovers from the snap and starts to kick the ball. He extends the ball toward his foot, yet misses it, and the ball drops it to the ground. R1 comes in and tackles K1. R3 recovers the ball. No flag is thrown on the play.

3. A, 4/G @ B’s 6YL. A1 runs to B’s 1YL and fumbles the ball into the EZ. B2 picks up the ball and runs it to the other side of the EZ. He is hit by A3 and he fumbles the ball across the EL. The LJ signals a safety.

4. A, 3/9 @ A’s 30 YL. A12 enters the huddle from the sideline. The A players tell him to go back to the bench. A12 then goes back off the field into his team box. The LJ throws a flag and signals illegal substitution to the R.

5. K, 4/4 @ R’s 22 YL. K sets up for a FG attempt. K2 (holder) receives the snap while still in his holder position with one knee on the ground. He pitches the ball backward to K1 who runs the ball to R’s 16 YL. The R signals 1/10 for K.

6. A1’s pass is tipped behind the NZ by B3. The ball is caught behind the NZ by Tackle A 77. A 77 runs for a TD. The U throws a flag for illegal touching.

7. A1 and B1 both commit DB fouls after the play is over. The R signals both fouls and signal that the DB fouls offset.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 4/6 @ B’s 38 YL. A1 runs to B’s 31 YL and is tackled inbounds near B’s SL. The LJ winds (2X) then gives the TO signal (2X).

2. A1 and B2 start throwing punches after a play. They are standing up swinging and the U grabs B2 and pushes him away. Both are ejected from the game.

OHSAA Regulations

1. A’s HC is ejected from the game. He goes into the stands and sits until the game is over.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 12

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. During the game it is discovered that several of the players of A are wearing “basketball” type pull up knee pads only and no pad in the pants. Legal or illegal?

2. During the first quarter, the crew notices that A is using large sign boards with pictures of hot dogs, hamburgers, French fires, and other items to communicate with the team. Are these billboard type pictures legal or do they constitute a device to communicate with players?

3. After an incomplete pass with the down marker showing third down, it is realized it was actually fourth down. The error was made when the down was not changed after the (a) first down play, (b) second down play, or (c) third down play. Can a correction be made?

4. After a fifth down play (the Crew miscounted), A still behind the LTG. It is discovered that A has been given an extra down. Can this correction be made?

5. During a fifth down play(oops – they miscounted again!), A is flagged for (a) illegal formation, (b) holding, (c) taunting. How are the penalties handled during a fifth down play?

6. A, 1/10 @ A 35. A32 runs for five yards and the down marker is changed to third down (should have been second down). An incomplete pass is thrown and the marker is flipped to fourth down (should have been third down). The error is caught.

7. With the down marker showing fourth down, K punts and a FC is made. It is then recognized the previous down should have been third down.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The HC for the VT questions a ruling on a play and asks to see the ruling in the Rules Book. The officials have left their Rule Books in the locker room.

2. Punt Play. The ball is on the opposite HM. Should the wing official be 10 yards wide of the widest K player since you have the wide side of the field?

OHSAA Regulations

1. It’s the first week (Week 11) of the state tournament games. The crew is in the locker room and the visiting team brings in their game balls for approval. The U is checking the balls when he notices that the game balls are Nike brand footballs.

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 10

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 1/10 @ A’s 35 YL. 3 seconds remain in 2Q. A1’s pass is intercepted by B2 & the GC expires. B2 is tackled at A’s 3 YL. Then A3 is flagged for a personal foul (PF). The R signals DB then PF and signals that the penalty will be enforced on the ensuing KO. B’s HC tells the R his team should get an untimed down since he is accepting the penalty. The R agrees and the U places the ball half the distance to the GL. A then runs a play and scores a TD on the untimed down.

2. K, 4/12 @ K’s 25 YL. K1 receives a high snap and starts to run to the right side of the field. He approaches the LOS and raises his leg to punt the ball. When K1 kicks the ball it’s apparent to the LJ his plant foot was in the NZ. However, his kicking foot was beyond the NZ when he kicked the ball.

3. K, 4/9 @ R’s 45 YL. K1 punts the ball high and short. R1 muffs the ball @ R’s 38 YL. K2 picks up the ball and runs it to R’s 33 YL where he is tackled. The LM states the ball became dead where K2 picked up the ball. The LJ says the ball was picked up behind the original LOS so K can advance. Who is right?

4. A, 2/8 @ B’s 12 YL. B1 intercepts A1’s pass in B’s EZ. B1 runs to the left of the EZ. After the COP and while the ball is still in B’s EZ B2 is flagged for holding (HLD) A3 in B’s EZ. B1 then returns the ball to B’s 10 YL where he is tackled. The crew gets together and talks. They decide the SOE is the end of the run so the U marks the penalty back to B’s 5 YL, the R signals 1/10 for B.

5. A, 3/14 @ B’s 40 YL. B1 intercepts A1’s pass at B’s 4 YL. His momentum takes him backward to B’s 2 YL. He’s immediately hit by A2 and fumbles the ball into B’s EZ. B3 recovers the ball in B’s EZ. The BJ signals a TB due to B1’s momentum.

6. A is attempting a 2 point Try. A1 is flagged for illegal motion (ILM). A1’s pass is intercepted by B3 who returns the ball across A’s GL. After the COP B4 is flagged for an illegal block in the back (IBB). After the crew discusses the options the R signals that both live ball fouls offset and the Try will be replayed.

7. A, 4/16 @ A’s 30 YL. Late in the 4Q. A1 throws a forward pass to A2 who jumps straight up @ A’s 45 YL. A2 catches the pass and is pushed in the air by B2. A2 lands and maintains possession of the ball to the ground at A’s 47 YL. The LJ marks A2’s forward progress (FWP) @ A’s 47 YL and signals 1/10 to the R. B’s HC argues that A2’s FWP was over @ A’s 45 YL and B2’s push in the air does not count toward FWP and it’s a turnover due to A2 being short of the LTG by 1 yd.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A). B1 intercepts a forward pass. Covering official throws his bean bag (BB) at the spot of the interception. B). A1 is in a shotgun formation and the ball is snapped over his head. The R throws his bean bag as the ball rolling around on the ground.

2. After being tackled A1 gets up from the ground and is trash talking to B1. The U comes in, tells A1 to settle down, go back to his huddle, and cool off.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Freshmen game ends in a tie. One HC states he wants to play OT and the other HC says he doesn’t. The R tells the HC’s OT is required for all games.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 11

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. How are the following situations handled? In (a) an assistant coach has received an UNSfor berating an official. Later in the game the HC receives a UNS. The HC is ejected for two UNS. In (b) the HC comes out onto the field between plays and berates the officiating crew. In (c) the HC calls a TO and comes onto the field to talk with his team. He then berates the officials for a call they made on the previous down.

2. A, 2/10 at B’s 41 YL. A7 throws a legal forward pass that is intercepted by B20 at B’s 2 YL. B20 attempts to run forward but is hit, spins around and then runs back into B’s EZ. While in B’s EZ and IW sounded.

3. A, 3/G at B’s 6 YL. A12 hands the ball to A26 who is contacted immediately by B55 at the B8 YL. In his attempt to tackle A26, B55 grasps and twists A26’s face mask at B’s 8 YL. A26 disengages from the tackle but retreats and is eventually tackled at B’s 10 YL. B55 is flagged for a 15 yard face mask penalty.

4. A, 1/10 at B’s 40 YL. A10 throws a legal forward pass that is intercepted by B17 at B’s 20 YL. B17 seeing himself surrounded by A players, tries to throw a backward pass to B10 at B’s 30 YL. The official covering the play rules that the pass is a forward pass. The pass is caught by B10 at B’s 32 YL and B10 is tackled at A’s 47 YL.

5. K, 4/5 at R’s 47 YL. During K’s kick R45 holds at R’s 38 YL. R13 catches the kick at R’s 8 YL and returns it to R’s 40 YL where he is hit and fumbles the ball. K19 recovers the ball at R’s 43 YL.

6. K, 4/6 at B’s 30 YL. K’s FG attempt is partially blocked. The ball bounces at R’s 1 YL and then crosses the plane of R’s GL. During the down R56 holds K87 at R’s 22 YL.

7. A. 3/6 at A’s 7 YL. A28 takes a handoff and is hit at A’s 4 YL. A28 fumbles the ball. The football (a) hits the ground, bounces up and is recovered by A74 at the A 4 YL; or (b) pops up into the air and is caught in mid-air by A74 at A’s 4 YL. A74’s original momentum carries him into A’s EZ where he is tackled and downed.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Should the U’s IP on runs always be on the opposite side of the defensive LOS from the R?

2. The ball is spotted on A’s 10 YL. How is the GL to be covered?

OHSAA Regulations

1. How do you handle a situation where a wrong player has been ejected from a game and is not detected until the next day?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 9

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 1/10 @ B’s 38 YL. A1 (ball carrier) is running down the field. The BJ throws a flag for holding (HLD) on A2 at A’s 40 YL. A1 is downed on B’s 48 YL. The HLD foul is 8 YDS beyond the spot where A1 was downed. The questions is – Is the spot of enforcement (SOE) @ B’s 48 where A1 was downed or B’s 40 where A2 is flagged for the HLD?

2. A, 3/G @ B’s 12YL. A1 throws a forward pass to A2. A1 is then roughed (RTP) by B1. A2 carries the ball to B’s 2 YL where he fumbles the ball into the EZ and the ball goes across the EL. The LJ and U beanbag the spot where A2 fumbled the ball. The BJ signals TB.

3. During pregame one of A’s players is found to have face paint on. LJ informs the HC that he must remove the paint and is only permitted to have a single stoke under his eyes.

4. During pregame it’s noticed by the R the VT’s running backs are wearing brown gloves to match their team colors of brown and gold. Nothing is said by the Crew.

5. A, 3/6 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 runs the ball 10 yards and is down. The covering official goes to sound his whistle and accidentally drops it. A second goes by and A1 comes up and blocks B2 after A1 is on the ground knocking B2 to the ground. Then the covering official sounds his whistle. The U throws his flag in the air and reports to the R he has a late hit personal foul on A1. A’s HC yells out and says “There was no whistle. He can hit until he hears a whistle”.

6. K, 4/8 @ A’s 25 YL. K1 is back to punt the ball. The ball is snapped and it’s a low snap. K1 rises to kick the ball. He steps forward and extends the ball out toward his foot and before the ball contacts his foot A1 is tackled by R1. The R throws a flag and signals roughing the kicker.

7. A, 3/31 @ B’s 49 YL. The ball is snapped to A1 and he pitches the ball back to A2 who runs right and hands the ball back to A3 (double reverse). A3 runs and stops and throws the ball downfield to A5. After he releases the ball A3 is roughed by B2. The R throws a flag on B1 for roughing the passer. B’s HC asks for a conference and asks why he would throw a penalty on B1 when A3 was not the QB and had no protection.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 3/30 @ A’s 49 YL the BJ is at his normal IP (17 yds. off the ball and inside the GP uprights). At the snap he immediately moves back anticipating a pass play.

2. K kicks off to start the game. R1 catches the ball in the middle of the field and all officials wind to start the GC.

OHSAA Regulations

1. At the halftime of the 8th grade game the officials tell the GC operator to put 10 minutes on the clock. The GC operator says… “Do I go ahead and put the 3 minutes on right after halftime or wait on you?” The R says, “Don’t worry about the 3 minutes that’s only for Varsity games.”

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 7

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 2/10 @ B’s 30 YL. A1’s pass is intercepted by B1 @ B’s 20 YL. After the COP B2 blocks A3 in the back at B’s 25 YL, B3 holds A4 @ B’s 29 YL, A2 then tackles B1 by grasping and twisting his facemask @ B’s 45 YL. Who will be the next team to snap the ball and from where?

2. A, 2/5 @ A’s 15 YL. A1’s throws a forward pass beyond the LOS and hits the U in the head. The ball bounces into the air and B1 catches it and runs it for a TD. The R tells B’s HC the ball is dead when it touches an official inbounds and the pass is considered incomplete.

3. A, 4/G @ B’s 3 YL. Runner A1 fumbles the ball @ B’s 1 YL. The ball goes into B’s EZ and is recovered by A4 near the EL. The LJ bean bags the spot where A1 fumbled the ball. At the end of the down the LJ explains to the R the ball is dead where A1 fumbled the ball due to the 4th down fumble rule.

4. A, 2/10 @ B’s 10 YL. A1 (QB) is in a pistol formation. A1 is calling out his count and stops and moves his hands abruptly toward the LOS and B1 encroaches.

5. A, 4/11 @ A’s 10 YL. B1 who is lined up as a linebacker runs toward the LOS but does enter the NZ. A1, who is in a 3 pt. stance, thinking B1 is coming to hit him flinches due to B1’s charge. The LJ flags B1 for UNS for causing B to move.

6. A,4/14@A’s35YL. Ahasatwotightendsonthesamesideoftheball. A1islinedupasatightendontheendof the line. A1 is in a 3 pt. stance and he rises up and goes back and assumes a position as a running back and gets into another 3 pt. stance. A2, who is now on the end of the line and is also a in a 3 pt. stance, rises up and moves out 4 YDS and sets as a wide receiver. The LM flags A2 for a FST for raising his hand since he was already set.

7. A, 4/4 @ A’s 25 YL. A1 is scrambling as B1 grasps him and stops his forward progress @ A’s 20 YL. B1 is moving A1 backwards. The R sounds his whistle to end the play. B1 continues to attempt to bring A1 to the ground and lifts A1 up and slams A1 to the ground @ A’s 16 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/G @ B’s 2 YL. A1 runs up the middle and is stopped at the 1 YL he sticks out the ball and it crosses the GL. The U yells out “Yes”…”Yes” he’s in loudly so the Wing officials can hear him.

2. A, 4/12 @ B’s 45 YL. A is in punt formation. The LJ is on his SL as the ball is on the hash mark nearest him. The LM is within 10 yds. of the nearest player to him near the numbers in his SZ.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The crew arrives on the field to conduct the pregame with the coaches. The VT HC informs the R the hash marks are placed incorrectly. The officials check this out and discover he is right, the hash marks are incorrect.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 9

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. A, 2/10 from A’s 35 YL. Late in the second quarter. A7 is in a shotgun formation at A’s 27 YL. A26, who is a running back is lined up behind the left tackle and turned sideways toward the center. A7, in order to stop the clock, throws the ball at the feet of A26 who has turned toward A7.

2. K, 4/8 on K’s 10 YL. Kicker, K13’s punt is blocked, never crosses the NZ, and winds up back in K’s EZ where opposing players simultaneously recover it. Safety or TD?

3. K, 4/10 on K’s 45 YL. K1 kicks the ball beyond the NZ. R11 muffs the ball back behind the NZ where K1 recovers and: (a) falls on the ball at K’s 40 YL; or (b) throws a FP to K88 which is complete at the 50 YL and R17 interfered with K88; or (c) K1 punts the ball and R1 FC at his 30 YL, or (d) runs to R’s 40 YL.

4. K, 4/10 at K’s 40 YL. K13 kicks the ball almost straight up. The ball is caught by K27 behind the LOS. All players “freeze”, not knowing what to do. K27 then throws the ball forward and OOB.

5. K, 4/5 at the 50 YL. K’s kick is touched by K44 at R’s 5 YL. R17 muffs the ball at R’s 6 YL and the ball is recovered by K55 at R’s 10 YL. During the kick, R81 holds at R’s 15 YL. Clock status?

6. A, 1/G at B’s 9 YL. A12’s pass is intercepted by B36 at B’s 3 YL. His momentum carries him into the EZ where he is hit and fumbles the ball into the field of play. In (a) the fumble is grounded and A77 muffs the ball at the B 2 YL. The ball hits the pylon; or (b), the fumble has not been grounded (still in flight), and A 77 muffs the ball at the B 2 YL. The ball hits the pylon.

7. A, 1/10 on A’s 10 YL. QB A10 drops back into A’s EZ where he is tackled by B67 who twists A10’s face mask. The tackle by B67 causes A10 to fumble the ball which rolls forward and OOB at A’s 5 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/10 at A’s 11 YL. A12 drops back into the EZ where he is tackled by the face mask and fumbles the ball. What are the R’s mechanics to cover this play?

2. How should the Wings communicate to each other before plays where it is close to a first down?

OHSAA Regulations

1. Both teams use the same exit from the field. How should the officials handle the teams at the end of the first half?

2013 Black and White - Quiz 10

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. A, 3/9 from B’s 30 YL. A19 throws a legal forward pass that airborne A88 and airborne B17 simultaneously gain possession at B’s 3 YL. In (a) A88 lands in B”s EZ and B17 lands in the field of play. The ball breaks the GL plane. In (b) A88 lands in the field of play and B17 lands in B”s EZ. The ball is at B’s 1⁄2 YL. In (c) A88 lands in B”s EZ and B17 lands with one foot OOB.

2. K, 4/8 on K’s 45 YL. Kicker, K13 receives the snap and begins taking normal kicking steps when he throws a pass under hand, downfield, that resembles a punt, to A82. Linemen do not go downfield. R18 blocks A82 downfield and the pass falls incomplete.

3. A, 3/11 on A’s 40 YL. A86 runs a sideline pattern and steps OOB at B’s38 YL and returns inbounds at B’s 34 YL. A19 throws a legal forward pass to A86 which: (a) is overthrown and falls incomplete, (b) is caught by A86 at the B30 YL where he is tackled, or (c) is in flight to A86 when B40 interferes with A86 and the pass is incomplete.

4. A, 1/10 at A’s 30 YL. A lines up three receivers on one side of their formation. A10 throws a forward pass to the rearmost receiver, A81, at A’s 28 YL. B22 evades the blocking of the other receivers and blocks A81 in the front, above the waist, before the ball arrives.

5. A, 1/10 at B’s 25 YL. B35 intercepts A10’s pas in B’s EZ. During B35’s return, B15 holds in B’s EZ and (a) A66 tackles B35 by the face mask at B’s 15 YL or (b), A66 tackles B35 by the face mask at B’s 15 YL, causing B35 to fumble with A78 recovering at B’s 20 YL.

6. K, 4/8 from R’s 37 YL. K’s scrimmage kick is beyond the NZ when R13’s helmet comes off without a foul. R13 continues blocking at R’s 8 YL to prevent K from downing the ball before it goes into the EZ. The ball breaks the plane of the GL and results in a TB.

7. During a successful Try from the left HM, A commits a foul for an illegal formation. A’s HC requests that the ball be placed in the middle of the field for the replay of the Try.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. How should officials communicate inside two minutes on the clock?

2. How should the Wings communicate to the R as to wind the clock or don’t wind the clock on close OOB plays that result in a first down?

OHSAA Regulations

1. The half time score is 55 – 0. The HC of the team behind informs the R that he does not want to play the second half of the game. He only had 15 players at the start of the game, and most of them had to play both offense and defense. He reports that his players are worn out after the firs half and he did not want to risk injury to his players.

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 8

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 4/4 @ B’s 20 YL. K sets up in a FG formation. The K linemen are standing on the LOS. The holder starts yelling out his cadence and suddenly on one of the words all K players quickly and abruptly shift down into a 3 pt. stance. 3 R players encroach. The LJ and LM both throw flags and signal FST on R.

2. K players huddle behind their free kick line to start the game. All K players break and run toward the ball but then stop before reaching their free kick line. 2 R players come across their free kick line thinking K is attempting an onside kick.

3. A, 3/12 @ B’s 45 YL. A is in a 5 wide spread formation. A2, A3 and A4 are on the right side of the field. The ball is snapped and A1 throws a forward pass to A4. A2 and A3 are blocking their opponents down field after the snap but stop just before the ball is thrown.

4. A, 2/6 @ B’s 30 YL. A1 realizes he’s supposed to be on the field. A only has 10 players on the field. A1 runs on the field and gets set on the LOS about 7 yds from A’s SL just before the ball is snapped.

5. A, 4/11 @ A’s 49 YL. A1 leaves the field and goes into his team box area. A’s HC is upset with A1 for coming off the field as he’s A’s up back on the punt team. A1 runs back onto the field and assumes his position in the punt formation. The ball is snapped and punted.

6. A, 3/15 @ B’s 35 YL. A2 runs toward B’s GL. A2 fumbles near the SL at B’s 2 YL. The fumbled ball crosses the GL inside the pylon. B recovers the fumble with his one foot touching the SL.

7. K, 4/7 @ R’s 20 YL. Before the snap all K lineman line up with their legs behind each other (“locked”) to close the gaps.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/G @ B’s 7 YL. The ball is on the right HM. The LM positions himself 2 yds outside of the SL and the LJ comes into the field where he’s no more than 10 yds. to the nearest A player on his side of the field.

2. A, 2/7 @ B’s 45 YL. At the snap A2 runs 2 yds and goes OOB on his own and runs in the restricted area for 5 yds. then comes back in at B’s 38 YL where he blocks B2. The LM throws his flag where A2 comes back into the field for illegal participation.

OHSAA Regulations

1. A, 2/8 @ B’s 9 YL in OT. The score is 10-10 A1’s pass is intercepted by B1. B1 runs the ball 91 yds. the R follows the play in reverse mechanics and signals TD.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 8

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. K, FK from their 40 YL. K, in (a) kicks from the left HM and positions 10 K players to the right of the kicker, or (b) kicks from the left HM and positions 7 players to the right of the kicker and 3 to the left side of the kicker.

2. K, 4/8 on K’s 35 YL. Kicker, K13 runs to his right and “rugby” kicks the ball to K22 who is at K’s 33 YL. K22 catches the kick and runs to K’s 45 YL.

3. K, 4/12 on K’s 30 YL. After K13’s punt lands on R’s 35 YL and bounces high into the air, R28 gives a FC signal at his 30 YL where he grabs the ball and is immediately tackled by K76.

4. K, 4/12 at K’s 30 YL. K13 punts and R33 signals for a FC. R26 catches the ball at R’s 35 YL and is immediately tackled cleanly by K25. R26 fumbles when hit and the ball is recovered by K44 at R’s 22 YL.

5. K, 4/6 from R’s 10 YL. On a FG attempt, holder K12 muffs the snap. K1 kicks the loose ball between the uprights.

6. A, 2/8 at A’s 11 YL. A10 takes the snap and fumbles the ball at A’s 8 YL. The football is rolling slowly at the A 6 YL when B77 attempts to recover the ball but he is pushed by A10 and muffs the ball into A”s EZ. In the judgment of the covering official the push by A10 provided a new force to the ball. The ball is (a) recovered in the EZ by A10 who is then tackled in the EZ; or (b) recovered in the EZ by B77.

7. K, 4/12 on K’s 45 YL. K6 kicks the ball high into the air. The football comes down at R’s9 YL and bounces into the air toward R’s GL. K19, who is standing with his feet in R’s EZ, leans forward out of the EZ and bats the football toward his own GL at R’s 1 YL. In (a), R15 recovers the rolling ball at R’s 3 YL and returns it to R’s 30 YL. In (b) R15 recovers the ball at R’s 3 YL, circles back into R’s EZ and is tackled in the EZ.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. What is the proper mechanic when any A/K player goes OOB without being blocked.

2. On a recently televised game the R, U, and BJ were wearing pink whistles, and the LM and LJ were wearing black whistles.

OHSAA Regulations

1. Heavy rain is moving into the area and the HT wants to move the starting time up before the rain begins. The VT is in agreement and the officials are on site.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 7

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. A, 1/10 at A’s 10 YL. A7 drops back into his EZ to pass and his face mask is pulled by B37. A7 (a) is downed in the EZ, or (b) fumbles and the ball goes OOB in the EZ Clock status?

2. K1 punts to R17 who is tackled at R’s 30 YL. R11 commits a BIB at R’s 35 YL during the kick. The R and U correctly administer the 10 yard penalty. The ball is placed at R’s 20 YL, A, 1/10. After two plays have been run, resulting in a loss of 10 yards, A’s coach asks why it is 3/30. The officiating crew realizes that the chain crew did not properly set the chains on the COP at the20 YL instead of the 30 YL. Can the chains be reset to reflect the correct LTG?

3. Regulation play ends with the score tied. One of the HC’s wants to use their one TO before the coin toss to discuss possible options with his captains. Legal?

4. K, 4/10 at K’s 12 YL. K6 takes the snap, runs to his right and then performs a rugby style punt at K’s 16 YL. (a) The kicked ball is caught by R21 at R’s 40 YL and is tackled there, or (b) R76 attempts to block the kick and runs into K6 and knocks him to the ground at the K 16 YL. R21 catches the ball at R’s 40 YL and is tackled there. Clock status?

5. A, 2/10 from B’s 37 YL. A11’s legal FP is intercepted by B13 at B’s 3 YL. B13’s momentum takes him into his own EZ where an official blows an IW.

6. K, 4/10 at K’s 5 YL. K1 is in his EZ when he kicks. The kick crosses the NZ and strikes R8 on the helmet and rebounds back into K’s EZ, where K7 recovers the ball and carries it to K’s 10 YL. Clock?

7. A, 3/10 at B’s 15 YL. A10 runs to B’s 4 YL and, unable to get OOB, throws a FP that falls incomplete. When the ball is dead, 7 seconds remain in the game. In (a), A is behind by 2 points, or (b) A is ahead by 2 points.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Team A uses a “hurry- up” offense. How should the R handle these situations?

2. After a KO, the kicking team’s FB is taken off on the wrong side of the field.

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the on field meeting with the coaches the officials notice that both schools are wearing non-white jerseys. How should a situation like this be handled?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 6

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 4/9 @ B’s 25 YL. A1 is legally hit as he throws a forward pass @ B’s 35 YL. Ineligible A74 catches A1’s pass @ B’s 28 YL. The R and U throw a flag for illegal touching by A74. The R tells B’s coach “you want to decline this and take the ball right? Is this the only option for B’s HC?

2. A, 3/6 @ A’s 40 YL. A1’s forward pass is caught by A2 who runs for a TD. U throws a flag at the LOS for ineligible A2 being illegally downfield (IDF). R signals the IDF and loss of down.

3. A1’s throws a forward pass to eligible A2 who is in B’s EZ. A2 sees eligible A3 standing in the EZ uncovered. A2 jumps and bats the pass to A3 who catches it for a TD. The LJ throws a flag for illegal batting.

4. A, 4/6 @ B’s 45 YL. 4Q with 5 sec remaining and B leads by 4 pts. A1 runs 3 YDS beyond the LOS and throws a forward pass into B’s EZ. A2 catches the pass in B’s EZ. During the play the GC expires. The U drops a flag for illegal forward pass. B’s HC accepts the penalty and the R signals the penalty, and then signals that there will be an untimed down.

5. 4Q with 1 sec remaining on the GC. K1 free kicks the ball from K’s 40 YL. K2 touches the ball at K’s 48 YL. The GC operator starts the clock when K2 touches the ball and the clock expires. The R raises the ball indicating the game is over.

6. A, 4/10 @ A’s 30 YL. K1 punts the ball and R1 blocks K2 in the back downfield during the kick. The LM throws a flag for the block in the back. R1 catches the ball and runs for 2 yards before he is hit and fumbles the ball. K4 recovers the fumble. The R signals the block in the back and announces this is a foul that has PSK enforcement.

7. A2 is running down the field. B1 who was blocked and fell is getting up off the ground with one foot, one knee and his left hand on the ground as he lunges forward to attempt to tackle A2. A2 hurdles B1 and runs for a TD. The BJ and LJ flag A2 for hurdling.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. Holding is called on A3. R asks B’s HC for his choice. B’s HC wants the penalty and R signals holding on A3.

2. Joe is an R. He is Mic’d 6 out of 10 games. Joe does not give players numbers when he announces penalties as he believes it embarrasses the players who fouled.

OHSAA Regulations

1. October is cancer awareness month. Bob (R) goes on-line and buys his crew pink whistles, pink flags and pink down indicators to wear for their games in October. His BJ refuses to wear any pink but the rest of the crew decides to wear the pink stuff.

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 5

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A, 4/8 @ A’s 14 YL. 12 Sec remain in the 4Q. A is ahead by 2 pts. A1 throws a forward pass to #72 @ A’s 12 YL. B’s HC says he wants to accept the penalty for illegal touching, but decline the yardage, so his FG kicker has a better angle at the uprights. Can B’s HC decline the yardage?

2. With 13 sec remaining in the 4Q and A trailing by 3. A1 is flagged for holding. A1’s HC calls A’s last TO as the officials stop the clock at the end of the play. The R signals TO for A. Then the R asks B’s HC if he wants to accept or decline the penalty.

3. A, 3/7 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 runs OOB at B’s 34 YL and is then hit OOB. The LJ flags B1 for the PF late hit. A1 then pushes B1. The LJ flags A1 for a PF. The R signals both fouls then the U marks 15 yds. on A then 15 back on B. The R signals 4/1 for team A.

4. A, 2/5 @ A’s 49 YL. A1 drops back to pass. B1 is flagged for roughing the passer after A1 released the ball. A2 catches the ball and runs to B’s 4 YL where he is tackled. The R encourages A’s HC to decline the penalty and keep the positive yardage.

5. A, 3/6 @ A’s 4 YL. A1 throws a backward pass to A2 who is in A’s EZ. B1 grabs A1 by the facemask and twists and brings A1 down in his EZ. The R & LJ both flag B1 and the LJ signals safety.

6. A, 4/8 @ A’s 49 YL. A1 drops back to pass. He throws a long pass downfield. While the ball is in the air A2 is flagged for an illegal low block @ B’s 45 YL. A3 catches the pass and runs to B’s 15 YL where he is tackled. The R marks this as a spot foul from B’s 45 YL.

7. A2 (ball carrier) is running down the SL. The LM runs into A’s HC for the second time in the game. The LM drops a 2nd UNS flag on the A’s HC. A2 scores a TD on the play.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 1/10 @ A’s 35 YL. The ball is on the LJ side of field near the HM. The LM is on his SL. The nearest player to him is near his HM. The ball is snapped and it is a run play.

2. A’s pass is intercepted by B1 @ B’s 40 YL. The BJ throws his BB at the spot where B2 intercepts the ball.

OHSAA Regulations

1. A penalty flag is thrown on a play at a pivotal part of the game. The HT has a video board on their scoreboard. The video board replays the video of the penalty many times.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 6

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

OHSAA Rules

1. A, Try from B’s 3 YL. A sets up in a “muddle huddle” scrimmage kick formation with six A players on the LOS outside the left HM, two A players several yards off the LOS inside the right HM, a snapper, A80, over the ball in the center of the field, a holder with a knee on the ground 7 yards behind the snapper and A7 in position to kick the ball. The snapper, A80 makes a direct snap to A7 who fakes a pass to a receiver to his right and then passes over the middle to A80 in the EZ.

2. A, 4/12 at A’s 30 YL. A is ahead, A 21 –B 18. There is 2:24 left in the 4th quarter. A’s legal kick is caught by B8 who fumbles the ball and the ball is recovered by A12. The R starts the clock on the RFP since A has a first down. After a play is run, B’s HC asks for a TO to discuss the clock status after the kick. There is 2:07 left in the 4th quarter. (a) Should the R have started the clock after the recovery by A? (b) What can the R do in correcting timing errors?

3. B1 intercepts a pass at his own 3 YL. His momentum takes him into his own EZ where he fumbles. B1 and A13 simultaneously recover the loose ball.

4. K, 4/17 from K’s 13 YL. K17’s kick hits the ground at K’s 23 YL. R8 then gives a FC signal at K’s 23 YL. R8 attempts to recover the loose ball, but muffs it and it rolls into K’s EZ where R60 falls on it.

5. K, 4/10 on K’s 10 YL. R11 catches a kick on R’s 45 YL and advances to the 50 YL, where he runs OOB. While the kick is in flight, K66 holds at K’s 6 YL. R accepts K’s penalty. Clock status?

6. A, 2/10 at B’s 32 YL. A11 is roughed after he releases a legal forward pass. A86 catches the pass and runs to B’s 4 YL where he fumbles. The ball strikes the GL pylon. Clock?

7. A11 snaps the ball before the RFP.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On punt formations where is the IP for the U?

2. The R and U count the offense and realize they only have 10 players. How should they communicate to each other that there are only 10 players for A?

OHSAA Regulations

1. During the pregame meeting with one of the HC’s he begins to berate the officiating crew of his game last week, which he lost. How should the crew handle such a situation?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 4

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. R1 rushes in hard and dives to block K1’s punt. R1 misses the ball and falls onto the ground near K1 without touching K1. K1’s kicking leg comes back down to the ground and K1 steps on R1 as he is lying under K1. K1 loses his balance and falls to the ground. Is this running into the kicker?

2. B1 intercepts A1’s pass at B’s 7 YL and retreats into B’s end zone (no momentum) were he is tackled by the face mask by A9 and the down ends. The BJ rules this as a safety.

3. A, 3/8 at B’s 35 YL. Score B 14 - A 12 with 8 seconds remaining in the 4Q. A5 drops back to pass, then decides to run. At B’s 4YL he passes the ball into the EZ to eligible A84 for a TD. Time has expired in the game. After a lengthy crew discussion R signals illegal forward pass and loss of down on A then signals first down for A as the line to gain was met. The U marks the penalty off to B’s 9 YL. The R signals for an untimed down since the GC had expired.

4. A, 2/20 at A’s 20 YL. B1 is flagged for holding eligible receiver A2 @ A’s 27 YL. QB A1 is sacked at A’s 12 YL. The penalty is enforced from the previous spot.

5. After the center has made his final adjustments and as the R sets the ball ready A1 and B1 are both lined up in the NZ.

6. A will attempt a two point Try. B1 intercepts the ball just inside B’s EZ and runs it back to B’s 15 YL. During the return B2 pushes A2 in the back in B’s EZ. The ruling by the LJ was a safety since B’s foul occurred in their EZ.

7. After an interception by B1 he is running down the SL. A2 is being blocked by B3. A2 sticks his leg out and trips B1 and B1 falls to the ground. The LM flags A2 for tripping.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 2/8 @ A’s 11 YL. QB A1 drops back. The R’s IP is on A’s GL and is 8 YD wide of the QB on the wide side of the field. A1 drops back and rolls toward the wide side of the field. A1 is hit near the GL and is taken down. To avoid getting hit the R drops back 4 to 5 yards into the EZ. The R is unable to determine where A1’s forward progress stopped.

2. A, 4/7 @ A’s 30 YL. KT lines up in a punt formation. At the snap the LM immediately goes downfield. The ball is snapped over the punters (A1) head.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The Crew observes, during their there pregame walk around, that the field is very muddy with a lot of standing water. The officials decide the field is not safe enough to play the game & ask the HC’s & AD’s to postpone & reschedule it to a later date.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 5

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 2/10 at A’s 30 YL. A10’s pass hits A76 in the back at: (a) A’s 28 YL and he made no attempt to touch the pass, (b) A’s 33 YL and he made no attempt to touch the pass, or (c) QB A10 under pressure at A’s 22 YL throws the ball directly into the back of A76.

2. A, 2/10 at A’s 30 YL. A76 tries to catch A10’s pass at (a) A’s 28 YL, or (b) A’s 35 YL and touches the ball.

3. The HT is using video by their coaches in the press box to relay to the HC on the SL, information as to how their opponents are lining up in their formations.

4. During the pregame walk around the field, the U notices that some of the players are wearing “Alverson” sleeves (tight, long sleeves from the wrist to the bicep) and some of the backs are wearing commercial undergarments which have built in hip, tailbone, and thigh padding.

5. A, 2/5 on A’s 35 YL. A1’s forward pass is intercepted by B7 who returns the ball to A’s 30 YL before being tackled. A66 holds B78 before the pass and B13 holds A2 before the interception.

6. A, 3/10 at B’s 20 YL. A1’s pass to A86 is complete in B’s EZ. During the pass B24 is guilty of DPI. Following the play, A86 taunts his opponent by spiking the ball at his feet. Time for the second period expires during the down.

7. A, 3/14 at A’s 48 YL with 2 seconds to go in the 3rd quarter. A11’s forward pass is intercepted by B17 who is advancing at A’s 24 YL when the LJ inadvertently blows his whistle (IW). A78 committed a holding foul on A’s 44 YL prior to the interception. Time expires during the down.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. How many yards outside of the widest receiver are the wing officials on their IP in PM?

2. B is in a “prevent defense”. Should the BJ remain at 17 yards off the LOS?

OHSAA Regulations

1. The ABC League Commissioner has decided that his schools will play only one OT Period during any of the sub varsity games.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 4

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. A, 3/18, at A’s 22 YL. QB A8 throws a deep pass down the right SL. B17 seeing that he is going to be beat deep, intentionally tackles A88 at A’s 35 YL to prevent a TD.

2. A, 2/8, at B’s 15 YL. A84 runs directly at defensive back B13 and pushes off for a pass that goes for a TD. Time expires during the play. Foul? Extension of period? Clock?

3. A, 1/10 on B’s 35 YL. QB A10 rolls to his right and throws a pass from B’s 33 YL that is caught for a TD. Time expires during the play.

4. A, 4/13 at B’s 20 YL. A12 runs to the B’s 16 YL, is hit and fumbles. While the ball is rolling at B’s 10 YL, A76 holds B55 at B’s 12 YL to prevent him from getting to the ball. The ball rolls OOB at B’s 4 YL.

5. A, 2/9 on A’s 40 YL. A1 fumbles at his 35 YL. While the ball is loose a PF is called on A5 at A’s 38 YL. A2 recovers the fumble at his 33 YL and advances to his 41 YL. The penalty is accepted.

6. A, 3/10 at A’s 20 YL. A1 runs a pass pattern and intentionally runs OOB at A’s 40 YL. He does not return inbounds until A2 has caught a legal forward pass at A’s 35 YL. A1 then returns inbounds at midfield and blocks B3 at B’s 47 YL. A2 is downed at A’s 45 YL.

7. It’s an awareness game and the team is wearing pink wrist bands; however, the bands are so big that the players are wearing them up on their biceps.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A, 3/8 at A’s 48 YL. The QB is in a shotgun formation. He is standing on A’s 40 YL. What is the IP for the R in this case?

2. A, 4/8 on A’s 43 YL. The punter is on A’s 30 YL. What is the IP for the R?

OHSAA Regulations

1. During a 9th grade game the officials notice that some interior linemen are wearing eligible receiver numbers. Legal or illegal?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 3

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. A 1/10 @ A’s 30 YL. A3 comes onto the field and enters the huddle. A1 immediately leaves and goes to his team box. After the ready for play signal, the U stops the GC as he notices B1 is bleeding. B1 leaves the field for medical attention. During this time period A1 re-enters the field and A3 goes back to his team box

2. A1’s pass it tipped behind the LOS by B2. The ball continues downfield where eligible A2 attempts to catch the ball but before the pass reaches him he’s is interfered with by B3. The BJ and LM throw a flag and signal DPI to the R.

3. A 2/30 @ A’s 5 YL. A1 is carrying the ball and his facemask is grabbed and twisted at A’s 10 YL. A1 fumbles the ball and B1 recovers the fumble at A’s 15 YL.

4. A 4/8 @ B’s 40 YL. A1 runs toward the SL and is hit and driven OOB @ B’s 33 YL. B2 then hits A1 OOB. The LJ throws a flag for a late hit. The R announces the foul for the late hit will be enforced and it will 1/10 for A @ B’s 18 YL.

5. Late in the 4th quarter A2 (#80) is injured and has to leave the field for one play. A’s coach sends A3 in for the one play. A3 is a JV player who is also wearing #80. Right before the snap the U blows his whistle and throws a flag for illegal numbering.

6. A 3/6 @ B’s 45 YL. A1 is carrying the ball downfield and spins out of a tackle. He sees B1 in front of him. A1 lowers his body and head and delivers a blow to B1 in the chest with his helmet.

7. A 3/6 @ B’s 20 YL. Team B has 12 players on the field throughout the down. A flag is thrown and the R signals illegal substitution.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. On a run play the R’s IP is on the wide side of the field. The U’s IP is always on the opposite the R.

2. The BJ’s initial IP always 17 yds. from the LOS no matter what.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The LJ assesses a UNS foul against the HC in the 1st quarter. In the 2Q the LJ throws a second flag for UNS against the Assistant Coach. Is the HC now disqualified, or does the foul go against the assistant coach?

2013 Black and White - Quiz 3

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Rules

1. It’s the first game of the season and as the crew is performing their pregame duties. They notice that some of the players are wearing the “Guardian” caps over their helmets. In discussion with the HC’s they are informed that these “caps” help prevent concussions. Are these “caps” legal or illegal?

2. Actual game. During the first half, it has rained constantly. As the officials come out for the second half they notice a player putting a can of non-stick cooking spray in his pants. The crew takes the can from the player and asks the HC about it. The HC said they sprayed it on their cleats to keep the mud from caking. Upon further investigation, they were also spraying their uniform to help prevent opponents who are wearing “tacky” gloves from grabbing their jersey. Legal or illegal?

3. A, 2/7 at A’s 45 YL. A14 throws a legal FP that is intercepted by B29 at the B15 YL. B29 returns the ball to A’s 16 YL where he fumbles the ball. The ball is recovered by A65 at A’s 15 YL. Down, distance, clock status?

4. A has just scored a TD and is going for two points on the Try at B’s 3 YL. QB A17 goes back for a pass and is tackled at the 12 YL by a pulled face mask foul. What is the penalty enforcement?

5. A, 1/10 at A’s 20 YL. A85 runs a pass route toward B39 who is standing on A’s 30 YL. Before the pass is thrown, A85 approaches B39 and (a) B39 pushes A85 with both hands and knocks him down, or (b) A85 cuts a ninety degree angle immediately in front of B39. B39 then shoves A85 from the side as A85 is moving away. A forward pass is then thrown across the LOS which falls incomplete.

6. A, 2/10 at A’s 30 YL. As A7 drops back to pass, A82 blocks B43 in the middle of the field at A’s 45 YL, allowing A84 to break into the open. However, A7 throws to A85 near the SL.

7. A, 2/7 from A’s 35 YL. QB A12 drops back to pass at A’s 27 YL. While looking for a potential receiver, A65 is blocking B76. (a) B76’s helmet comes off without a foul. B76 quickly picks up his helmet and puts it back on and continues to participate, but doesn’t make the tackle. (b) B76’s helmet comes off without a foul. B76 quickly picks up his helmet and puts it back on and continues to participate and sacks QB A12 at A’s 25 YL. (c) B76’s helmet comes off without a foul. B76 quickly picks up his helmet and puts it back on. A65 blocks B76 after he has his helmet back on. (d) A65’s helmet comes off without a foul. A65 blocks B76 at A’s 23 YL. In (a), (b), (c) and (d), QB A12 is sacked at A’s 25 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. The crew of officials notice that B36 is approaching “fouling “ status and want to send him out for the HC to address. However, A is in a “hurry up” offense and the crew doesn’t want to put the defense at a disadvantage by making a substitution. How should the crew handle this situation?

2. On a close SL play and the runner driven back OOB, the LM is trailing the play, and because of the number of players, isn’t sure where FP was stopped. How should the LM handle this type of play?

OHSAA Regulations

1. How are ejections handled concerning Ohio players playing in games outside the state of Ohio? How are ejections handled concerning players from outside of Ohio playing games in Ohio?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 2

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. From K’s 40 YL K1 onside free kicks the ball high in the air. K2 catches the ball untouched by RT @ RT’s 49YL. No RT player was in position to catch the ball where K2 caught the ball.

2. K1 free kicks the ball to start the 2nd half. The ball becomes comes to rest on the RT’s 4 YL. R2 attempts to pick it up and muffs it into RT’s EZ. K2 jumps on the ball in RT’s EZ. The R signals TD for the RT.

3. K1’s free kick is grounded and untouched by RT and K2 picks up the kicked ball @ R’s 36 YL and advances it for a TD.

4. K lines up for a free kick and R’s HC yells that only K’s players have to be within 5 yards of K’s free kick line before the kick.

5. K1 free kicks the ball and R1 runs up and blocks him to the ground while K1’s kicking leg is coming back toward the ground @ K’s 41 YL, the kicked ball is still in the air.

6. On a short free kick R1 gives a fair catch signal. R1 then realizes the ball is deeper than he thought and he blocks K2 charging down the field.

7. K1 free kicks the ball deep. R1 is moving backward and jumps at R’s 4 YL and catches the ball. His feet come down on R’s 3 YL, however his momentum carries him into his EZ where he downs the ball.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. 2/G from B’s 3 YL. A1 runs the ball up the middle and is tackled near the GL. The U sees the ball cross the GL and turns and looks at the LJ and signals 2 thumbs up (or some other kind of signal) to let him know it’s a TD.

2. At the pregame conference the HT HC states he plans on having ball boys on both sides of the field to relay balls in quickly to aid in his fast paced offense. He says he has done this all season and it has worked well.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The crew arrives on the field before the game as required 35 minutes prior to game time. At 7:17 thunder is heard by the crew. They inform the HT HC that the field must be cleared and that the 30 min inclement weather policy is in effect. The HC says, “that doesn’t start until the game actually starts you have no authority until then.”

2013 Black and White - Quiz 2

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Scrimmage Kicks and KCI

1. K, 4/7 on K’s 15 YL. K is ahead 16 – 14 with 45 seconds left in the fourth quarter. R8 is at K’s 45 in position to catch K’s punt. K3 interferes with R8 at K’s 45. R8 makes the catch despite the interference and is downed at K’s 45. R chooses an awarded FC after a 15 yard penalty. On first down, QB, R7, is roughed on an incomplete FP. What is the down, distance, clock, and options for A?

2. K, 4/6 at K’s 33 YL. K1 punts the ball and it is beyond the NZ when K76 commits first touching at R’s 40 YL. R12 recovers the ball at R’s 28 and returns the kick to R’s 35.

3. K, 4/9 on K’s 35 YL. K1 punts the ball and it is beyond the NZ when K55 commits first touching at R’s 48 YL. Before the end of the kick, K68 blocks below the waist. R12 returns the kick to R’s 40. What is the down, distance, clock, and options for R?

4. K, 4/6 at K’s 33 YL. K1 punts the ball and it is beyond the NZ when K76 commits first touching at R’s 40 YL. R12 recovers the ball at R’s 28 YL and returns the kick to R’s 35 YL. During the return, R19 blocks below the waist at R’s 32 YL.

5. K, 4/6 at K’s 33 YL. K1 punts the ball and it is beyond the NZ when K76 commits first touching at R’s 40 YL. R12 recovers the ball at R’s 28 and returns the kick to R’s 35. Before the recovery R19 blocks below the waist at R’s 32.

6. K, 4/6 at K’s 33 YL. K punts the ball and it is beyond the NZ when K76 commits first touching at R’s 40 YL. R12 recovers the ball at R’s 28 YL and returns the kick to R’s 35 YL where he fumbles. The ball is recovered and downed by K37 at R’s 33 YL. During R12’s return, R19 clips at R’s 38.

7. Scrimmage kick vs. free kick. (a) K, 4/7 from K’s 38 YL. K’s scrimmage kick is in flight and K47 catches the kick at R’s 30 YL with no R players in position to catch the ball. (b) K, free kick from K’s 40 YL. K10 catches the free kick at R’s 40 YL with no R player in the area.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A has the ball on A’s 12 YL. The R is positioned at the GL & at least 10 YDS wide from the QB. After the game the observer tells the R he is suppose to be 15 yards from the LOS.

2. After a play the BJ notices that the scoreboard has the VT with only 1 TO remaining when they have 2 remaining.

OHSAA Regulations

1. It’s the first week of the season and some Ohio schools are playing games out of state while some out of state schools are playing schools in Ohio. How does the concussion Ohio State Law and OHSAA policy apply to these games?

2013 Rules Geek - Quiz 1

This week’s Rules Geek prepared by Jerry Peters in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

NFHS Rules

1. KO. BJ hands the ball to K1. K1 places the ball on the tee for the KO on the home side hash mark on K’s 40 YL. The BJ runs to his position and just before he raises his hand to the R, K’s coach tells K1 to move the ball to the other side of the field.

2. KO. K1 is out of the game due to an injury. K1 is also the KT’s only place kicker. K’s HC asks the R if his punter can punt the ball for a normal kickoff instead of using a tee since k1 is injured.

3. KO. Late in the 4th quarter, KT is losing by 4 pts. K1 kicks an ungrounded onside kick after a TD. R1 signals for a fair catch but R2 catches the kicked ball at R’s 49YL. The U runs in and blows the play dead. RT’s HC is upset and says the ball is live since R2 caught the ball not R1. He requests a conference with the R. After the R’s explanation RT’s HC tells the R he wants to attempt a free kick after a fair catch.

4. KO. K1 kicks the ball off to R1. R1 muffs the ball and K1 and R1 jointly recover the muffed ball at R’s 30 YL. The covering official rules that the KT receives possession of the kicked ball since the RT muffed the ball.

5. KO. K1 kicks off from KT’s 40 YL. The kicked ball goes OOB untouched at R’s 40YL. The LJ throws his flag. The R gives the RT the option of a 5 yard penalty and have K re-kick or to take the ball 25 YDS from the previous spot, the R’s 35 YL.

6. KO. K1 free kicks the ball from K’s 40 YL. K2 muffs the ball at K’s 49 YL. The ball then strikes R1 in the shoulder and then is muffed OOB by K3 at R’s 47 YL. The ball is placed at RT’s 49 YL, 1/10 for RT.

7. KO. K1’s attempts an onside kick. R1 comes in and blocks K2 into the kicked ball at K’s 48 YL. The ball is recovered by R2 at RT’s 48 YL. The R signals first touching by K at K’s 48 YL and gives RT the option of taking the ball at K’s 48 YL.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. K1’s free kick is touched by K2 at K’s 47 YL. The U and BJ reach into their belt for their bean bags to mark the spot of first touching by K2.

2. KO. K1’s first KO goes to R’s 10 YL; his second KO goes to RT’s 13 YL. The LM and LJ decide to move up to R’s 10 YL since K1’s first 2 KO’s were short of R’s GL.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The field only has one team entrance/exit. At halftime the officiating crew runs to the exit and is escorted by the police away from the field. The 2 teams exit after the crew leaves the field.

2013 Black and White - Quiz 1

This week’s Black and White prepared by Larry Clemmons in association with Beau Rugg and Dr. Bruce Maurer. Click here to view a PDF of the quiz along with the answers.

Scrimmage Kicks and KCI Rules

1. K1 punts and R7 is about to catch the kick when K32 waves his hands near R7’s face, but makes no contact.

2. K1 punts and R7 is about to catch the kick when K32 contacts R7 at R’s 25 YL. The ball hits R7 and (a) rolls to R’s 15 YL where it is recovered and downed by R22, or (b) rolls forward to R’s 41 YL where it is recovered and downed by R22.

3. K1 punts from K’s 35 YL. K35 interferes with R10 at R’s 30 YL. R10 makes the catch and returns the kick for a TD.

4. K, 4/7 from K’s 35 YL. K2 punts the ball into a strong wind and the ball hits the ground, untouched, at K’s 40 and bounces back behind the NZ where K34 picks up the ball and runs to K’s 43. Whose ball is it; what is the down, distance and clock status?

5. A, 3/7 from A’s 25 YL. K7, in a “shotgun” formation and a strong wind at his back decides to “quick kick” the ball. The kick hits K66 in the back at the LOS and is recovered by K28 at K’s 23 YL. Whose ball, what is the down and distance, and clock status?

6. K, 4/6 from R’s 40 YL. K3 punts the ball and R16, standing at his 10YL, lets the ball go over his head and it bounces into the EZ. During the kick, R20 holds at (a) R’s 12 YL, or (b) R’s 28 YL.

7. K, 4/5 from K’s 30 YL. K’s punt crosses the NZ and is rolling at R’s 40 when R35 attempts to pick up the ball, but muffs it. R24 holds K23 10 yards downfield. K17 recovers the loose ball.

OHSAA Mechanics

1. A10 “spikes” the ball from the “shotgun” position to stop the clock. The R correctly throws his flag for an illegal forward pass. The HC and fans begin to boo the R, thinking that it’s a legal play. The R, realizing the fans are confusing the rule with NCAA rules, uses the microphone to announce that in NF rules the ball can only be “spiked” from a direct hand to hand snap.

2. K, 4/3 on K’s 37. The ball is positioned on the right hash and K2, a right footed kicker, is in position to kick the ball. The R is on the side of the kicking leg, which puts him in the side zone.

OHSAA Regulations

1. The crew is in the locker room having their pregame when the home school’s AD comes in and informs the crew that the visiting team has ripped down the homecoming banner at one end of the field. He demands that the team be penalized for their conduct.