In a football game, the score is tied with just a few seconds left in the game. The ball is near the goal line so the offense sets up for a short game-winning field goal. Then what could the referee do if the defense jumps offsides before the snap, he calls a penalty, then they jump offsides again and again and again?
They might go offsides 20 plays in a row then the next play they do not jump offsides but the holder and kicker are surprised by the snap and their timing is thrown off. Each penaIty is only inches once ball is inside the 1 yd line. I have never seen this done. Is there a rule against it? If the defense is about to lose the game anyways, why not try this?
2007-11-24 08:38:54 · 2 answers · asked by Jeffrey K 7 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
Please note that when the defense jumps offsides, I mean that a player runs between the center and the holder before the snap. So there is certainly no way that the play and kick can continue.
2007-11-26 09:28:40 · update #1
That's a unique idea and it might work. There is no rule against it. But if the kicker does kick the ball during any of those plays and makes it, the offense will win the game and decline the penalty. If they kick the ball and miss, they will accept the penalty and get another shot. So although it is a unique idea, odds are it won't work.
2007-11-24 08:43:53 · answer #1 · answered by crazycarl0217 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The defense being offsides doesn't nullify a play. Play continues. The offense is then given a chance to replay the play if they wish (with the penalty yardage added) when the defense is offsides.
It is only when the offense commits a false start that the play is halted.
2007-11-24 16:48:18 · answer #2 · answered by Some dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋