College football rules ??

[roscoe]

Not a big sports guy, so pardon my ignorance.<br />Watched a little of a game today and came up with a question.<br /><br />The ball carrier is down when a knee or body part other than the foot hits the ground, right? <br />Regardless of whether there is contact, right? <br />Any exceptions?<br /><br />Part 2 of question to come after I get this straight.

 

[Pony]

Re: College football rules ??

yes, except your hand may touch the ground in addition to the feet

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: College football rules ??

“b. When any part of the runner’s body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground or when the runner is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his body, except his hand or foot….”<br /><br />From the NCAA 2004 Rules and Interpretations Book, http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2004/2004_football_rules.pdf <br />Rule 4, Section 1, Article 3.b.

 

[roscoe]

Re: College football rules ??

OK, got it.<br /><br />Now please explain this.<br /><br />The holder on a fieldgoal attempt takes the snap, his knee is already on the ground, why isn't he down and the play over?<br /><br />Is he specifically exempt by some rule?<br /><br />And what is the play is a fake and he runs with the ball, is he still exempt?

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: College football rules ??

A very good question. I don't know the "Rule Book" answer, but you answered it yourself. The holder is excempt from the "knee on the ground" rule. At least that's the way I see it.

 

[wildbill59]

Re: College football rules ??

He must be exempt because he can get up and run/throw the ball.

 

[roscoe]

Re: College football rules ??

I did find a reference to it in the link provided by BoatBuoy. <br />It says to see rule 4 ,1 ,3, I<br /><br />Couldn't find it, but the question remains about a faked kick.<br /><br />Or what if he botches the snap and bobbles the ball, crawling around on the ground to recover it?<br /><br />Rugby rules are so much easier, you just pound the snot out of them and take the ball away !! <br /><br />

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: College football rules ??

The remainder of the rule I quoted deals with what you're asking.<br />“b. When any part of the runner’s body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground or when the runner is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his body, except his hand or foot. (Exception: The ball remains alive when an offensive player has simulated a kick or is in position to kick the ball held for a place kick by a teammate. The ball may be kicked, passed or advanced by rule)(A.R.4-1-3-I).”<br /><br />From the NCAA 2004 Rules and Interpretations Book, http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2004/2004_football_rules.pdf <br />Rule 4, Section 1, Article 3.b.

 

[steamboatwilly]

Re: College football rules ??

Im not an expert, but game is not resummed until the ball is moved(kicked or carried or whatever).

 

[tomatolord]

Re: College football rules ??

You forgot the biggest part of the rule<br /><br />and TOUCHED by the opponent<br /><br />just falling on the ground does not make you down - you can catch a pass fall down and get up and run - as long as you are not touched while on the ground <br /><br />The place kicker is not touched by the opposing team - so he can get up and do whatever he feels like..<br /><br />except in the end zone where taking a knee is the sign for a touchback.

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: College football rules ??

No tomatolord,<br />In College ball, once they hit the ground they are down. In the NFL, what you said is true.<br /><br />AK Chappy