It seems to me that you can break the goal line plane and no matter where your feet land (even if they are out-of- bounds), its declared a touchdown. So if you make a leaping catch along the side line ( in bounds) and your momentum takes you out of bounds - it is declared an incomplete pass. Both cases the plays were started in bounds and depending on where your feet land - ones a touchdown and ones an incomplete pass - even though both ended out of bounds - why?
2006-11-27 03:25:15 · 5 answers · asked by john s 1 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
You answered your own question when you spoke of the position of the receiver's feet. The sideline is exactly what it is, out of bounds! It's not considered the field of play, therefore gains are measured by ESTABLISHED POSITION and POSSESSION inbounds as opposed to a ball breaking the plane of the goal line in player possesion. The front edges of the goal lines are 100 yards apart. If the player's feet had to be in the end-zone for a score to count, then it wouldn't be a 100 yd. long field, would it?
2006-11-27 05:39:51 · answer #1 · answered by bigvol662004 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the rules are actually the same if you're talking about a catch. The receiver must have both feet inbounds, regardless of where he is on the field. If the player is running for the end zone, the ball has to cross the goal line, regardless of where the feet are. There's really no "why." It's just a rule.
2006-11-27 03:31:23 · answer #2 · answered by shoelace 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason they refer to plane is the 2-d surface or "BOX" that exists in the end zone. Imagine a box that runs straight up the side lines and the goal line - if the ball has passed over this "virtual box", it is called the plane of the goal. (picture a vertical Plane or sheet of paper standing atop the goal line; the ball is either past the plane of the goal or not --> it is a TD or not) The reference is from math/geometry where you understand planes and the football comment is from whether the ball has passed through the plane/not.
2016-03-28 21:40:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because football is fast. if both feet touch they consider, if one no. its kinda just a crazy rule
2006-11-27 03:27:17 · answer #4 · answered by Ka. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well its the rules, its like asking "Why do you not hit people in baseball?" Its the rules
2006-11-27 03:35:09 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋