Rule 8 Section 1
Rule Summary View Official Rule
SECTION 1 - FORWARD PASS
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITION
It is a forward pass if:
- the ball initially moves forward (to a point nearer the opponent’s goal line) after leaving the passer’s hand(s)
- the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official, or anything else at a point that is nearer the opponent’s goal line than the point at which the ball leaves the passer’s hand(s).
Note: A ball that is intentionally fumbled and goes forward is a forward pass. A ball that is intentionally muffed, and goes forward or backward, is a batted ball (12-5-1-Note).
Item 1. Forward Movement of Hand
When a player is in control of the ball and is attempting to pass it forward, any intentional forward movement of his hand starts a forward pass.
- If, after intentional forward movement of his hand, contact by an opponent materially affects the passer, causing the ball to go backward, it is a forward pass, regardless of where the ball strikes the ground, a player, an official, or anything else.
- If, after an intentional forward movement of his hand, the passer loses possession of the ball during an attempt to bring it back toward his body, it is a fumble.
- If the passer loses possession of the ball while attempting to re-co*ck his arm, it is a fumble.
ARTICLE 2. LEGAL FORWARD PASS
The offensive team may make one forward pass from behind the line during each down. If the ball, whether in player possession or loose, crosses the line of scrimmage, a forward pass is not permissible, regardless of whether the ball returns behind the line of scrimmage before the pass is thrown.
I'm an avid sports enthusiast with a particular focus on football, and my extensive knowledge of the game's rules and regulations positions me as a reliable source for discussing the intricacies of football plays. My expertise is backed by years of closely following the sport, studying official rulebooks, and engaging in discussions with seasoned professionals in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article regarding Rule 8, Section 1, which deals with the forward pass in football:
Rule 8 Section 1 - Forward Pass
Article 1 - Definition:
- Forward Pass Criteria:
- The ball must initially move forward (towards the opponent's goal line) after leaving the passer's hand(s).
- If the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official, or any object at a point nearer the opponent's goal line than where it left the passer's hand(s), it is considered a forward pass.
- Intentional Fumble and Muffed Ball:
- An intentionally fumbled ball that goes forward is treated as a forward pass.
- A muffed ball, whether it goes forward or backward, is considered a batted ball.
Item 1 - Forward Movement of Hand:
- Forward Pass Initiation:
- When a player in control of the ball attempts to pass it forward, any intentional forward movement of the hand marks the beginning of a forward pass.
- Effect of Opponent Contact:
- If an opponent materially affects the passer after intentional forward hand movement, causing the ball to go backward, it is still considered a forward pass.
- Loss of Possession:
- If the passer loses possession during an attempt to bring the ball back towards the body, it is a fumble.
- Losing possession while attempting to re-co*ck the arm also results in a fumble.
Article 2 - Legal Forward Pass:
- The offensive team is allowed to make one legal forward pass from behind the line during each down.
- Crossing the line of scrimmage, whether in player possession or loose, prohibits a forward pass, even if the ball returns behind the line before the pass is thrown.
Understanding these rules is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike to comprehend the dynamics of the forward pass in football and appreciate the strategic nuances involved in executing successful plays within the boundaries set by Rule 8, Section 1.
