NFHS Football Case Plays -rules questions and correct answers 2024

5.1.1 SITUATION A: What procedure is used to correct an error if it is discovered: (a) a fifth down has been run and the discovery is prior to the ball becoming live after a new series of downs is awarded and prior to the declaration of the end of any period; or (b) A has not been given its allotted four downs and the discovery is prior to the ball becoming live after a new series of downs is awarded and prior to the declaration of the end of any period? - correct answer RULING: In both cases, the number of the next down can be corrected by the referee. In (a), play will revert to where it was before the fifth down was run after the enforcement of any personal, dead ball or unsportsmanlike fouls that occurred during the down. In (b), the referee can declare the proper next down and resume play. 5.1.1 SITUATION B: Second down and six. On the last play of the third period, A38 gains three yards. After the play, the down-marker indicator is flipped to fourth down. Following a brief pause to ensure no reason to defer ending the period, the referee holds the ball over his head to signify the end of the period. Both teams change ends of the field and the chains are reversed. Before the ball is snapped for the first play of the fourth period, Team A's coach notifies the game officials that he believes there is an error in the down. - correct answer RULING: The third period officially ended when the referee held the ball over his head, and therefore the down error may not be corrected. 5.1.1 SITUATION C: During a fifth-down play, Team A is flagged for: (a) illegal formation; (b) holding; (c) twisting the face mask; (d) taunting; or (e) fighting. - correct answer RULING: The penalties are not enforced in (a) or (b). In (c), (d) and (e), the penalty is enforced as a dead-ball foul before Team B snaps the ball. In (e), the offending player is also disqualified. 5.1.1 SITUATION D: The ball is on the 50-yard line with 10 yards to go for a first down. The down-marker indicator erroneously indicates fourth down when Team K punts on what is actually: (a) third down or (b) fifth