AR 10-2-4 / Offsetting Fouls

I. 2 & middle at Os 7-yd line. The quarterback throws a complete pass or interception at Os
15-yd line. Before the catch the snapper shields the blitzer at Os 10-yd line and a defender
contacts a receiver at Os 20-yd line.
RULING: Offsetting fouls. The down will be replayed.

II. 2 & middle at Os 7-yd line. The quarterback throws a pass which is intercepted at Os 15-yd
line and returned to Os 6-yd line. Before the catch the snapper shields the blitzer at Os 10-yd
line and during the return the blitzer shields the snapper at Os 12-yd line.
RULING: The defense can decline offsetting fouls and keep the ball after enforcement of their
penalty. (R 10-2-4-a) BS is the SF. Next play 1 & goal for the previous defense at the 17-yd
line.

III. 2 & middle at Os 7-yd line. The quarterback throws a pass which is intercepted at Os 15-yd
line and returned to Os 6-yd line. Before the catch a defender contacts a receiver at Os 10-yd
line and during the return the snapper holds (illegal contact) the runner at Os 12-yd line.
RULING: Offsetting fouls. The down will be replayed.

IV. 3 & middle at Os 23-yd line. The runner commits flag guarding at Ds 17-yd line and the
defender holds the runner to get to the flag. The play is finally stopped at Ds 12-yd line. The
offense coach wants to decline the defense penalty and earn a first down after enforcing the
penalty for flag guarding from the SF.
RULING: Offsetting fouls is the only option and the down will be replayed. The fouls – not the
penalties – offset. The coach will not be given the option to decline a penalty.