dead ball is a ball not in play. The ball is dead during the interval between downs.
So says the very first definition under Rule 2 (2-1-1).
The dead ball fundamental statements
- An official's whistle seldom kills the ball. It is already dead.
- No live-ball foul causes the ball to become dead.
- A dead ball may become live only by a legal snap or free kick.
- Catching is always preceded by touching of the ball; thus, if touching causes the ball to become dead, securing possession of the ball has no significance.
Caseplay
A21 throws a forward pass towards the sideline to A36 whose right foot is on the sideline mark just past A's 40 yard line. The pass bounces off his hands and is intercepted by B12 who is immediately downed by A36.
NFHS ruling
Fundamental III.4 tells us that,
Continued...
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