AR 10-3-1-d / Basic Spot Enforcement Touchback

I. 2 & goal at Ds 12-yd line. A defender intercepts the ball in the end zone and commits flag
guarding while still in the end zone before advancing to Ds 15-yd line where they are
deflagged.
RULING: The foul occurs before the ball is brought out of the end zone, so the enforcement spot is
the touchback spot (R 10-3-1-d). Series for O ends, next play 1 & middle at 2.5-yd line.
NOTE: Same ruling if the ball stays in the end zone.

II. 2 & goal at Ds 12-yd line. A defender intercepts the ball in the end zone and commits flag
guarding while still in the end zone before advancing to Ds 15-yd line where they are
deflagged. At the flag pull the snapper holds the runner to get to the flag.
RULING: Offsetting penalties, repeat the down.
NOTE: By rule the defense can choose to decline offsetting penalties (R 10-2-4-a) and accept a
penalty enforced from the touchback spot.

III. 2 & goal at Ds 21-yd line. A defender intercepts the ball on Ds 3-yd line and their momentum
carries them into their own end zone. After avoiding a flag pull by covering the flag with the
ball, another offensive player deflags the defender in the end zone.
RULING: The result of the play is a touchback, the enforcement spot is the touchback spot.
NOTE: Same ruling if another defender commits a foul.

IV. 2 & goal at Ds 21-yd line. A defender intercepts the ball on Ds 3-yd line and advances to Ds
14-yd line. Another defender in their end zone illegally contacts an offensive player during the
return.
RULING: Safety by accepting the penalty. The enforcement spot for the foul (illegal contact) is the
SF in the end zone (R 10-3-1-c).
NOTE: Same ruling if the ball was intercepted in the end zone and the foul occurs after the runner
left the end zone.