NFHS Football Case Plays - Rule 5 (Series of downs, number of downs, and team possession after penalties) All solved correctly

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 answers 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 answers 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 answers 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 down. R6 returns the punt for an apparent touchdown. Prior to the try and without the period ending, it is brought to the attention of the game officials that the down-marker indicator was in error. correct answers RULING: In (a), the score is cancelled and the ball is returned to the 50-yard line, third down and 10 for A as Team A. In (b), the fifth down was run in error, the score is cancelled and the ball is returned to the 50-yard line, first down and 10 for R. 5.1.1 SITUATION E: Erroneously, the chains are set before enforcement of a dead-ball foul instead of following enforcement. Up to what point can this be corrected? correct answers RULING: Until the ball is legally snapped. After that point, it is too late.