As a football fan, you might have come across the term “eligible receiver” and “illegal touching” during broadcasts or discussions with fellow fans. These terms are fundamental to understand the basic rules of the game and ensure fair play.
In this article, we will discuss the eligible receiver rules in the NCAA, CFL, and NFL and what happens when a player commits illegal touching. Eligible Receiver Rules:
An eligible receiver is a player who can legally catch a forward pass.
In football, a player becomes eligible by wearing the appropriate jersey number and lining up in a legal position. The eligible receiver rules differ slightly among the NCAA, CFL, and NFL.
NCAA Rules:
In the NCAA, any player wearing a jersey number between 1 and 49 or 80 to 99 is eligible to receive a forward pass. Players wearing 50 to 79 are ineligible, except for specific situations, such as the end of the group on the line of scrimmage.
Furthermore, any player who lines up at the end of the line of scrimmage or behind it is eligible to receive a forward pass. If a player is in an illegal position or wears an ineligible number and catches the ball, it is considered illegal touching, and the play becomes dead.
NFL Rules:
Unlike the NCAA, in the NFL, the position and not the jersey number determines the eligibility of a player. Any player at the line of scrimmage or behind it is eligible to catch a forward pass.
However, players in the backfield must meet specific eligibility requirements to catch a forward pass legally. The quarterback is always ineligible to catch a pass, irrespective of his position on the field.
If a player who is ineligible to catch the ball does so, it results in an incomplete pass or a penalty for illegal touching. CFL Rules:
In the CFL, the eligible receiver rules are more complicated.
Any player with a jersey number between 0 and 49 or 70 to 99 is eligible to catch a forward pass. Players with the jersey number 50 to 69 are ineligible to receive a pass, except in specific situations where they report as eligible.
Furthermore, any player who is moving towards the line of scrimmage or parallel to it at the snap is considered to be in motion, and such players must report as eligible if they are going to be the first to touch the ball. If a player ineligible to touch the ball does so, it results in a loss of down.
Penalty for Illegal Touching:
Now that we understand the eligible receiver rules let’s discuss what happens when a player commits illegal touching. Penalty Description:
Illegal touching occurs when a player touches a forward pass after being out of bounds, intentionally or unintentionally bats a loose ball out of bounds, or catches the ball when not eligible to do so.
The penalty for illegal touching is a 5-yard loss of down. Loss of down means the team loses the right to try for a first down on that play, and the next play starts from the current position of the ball.
Universal Rule:
Regardless of the league, defense is always the beneficiary of illegal touching. Suppose a player on the offensive team touches the ball illegally, and a member of the defense catches the ball before it touches the ground.
In that case, it results in an interception. Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the eligible receiver rules is essential for players, coaches, and fans to enjoy and follow the game effectively.
Similarly, avoiding illegal touching helps to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game. So the next time you watch a football game, keep an eye out for these concepts, and you will be able to enhance your appreciation for the game.
3) Exceptions to Eligibility Rules:
In football, there are exceptions to the eligibility rules that allow certain players to become eligible under specific circumstances. Special Teams Play:
During special teams plays, such as kickoffs, punts, and field goals, the eligibility rules are slightly different.
In the NCAA, any player can become eligible, regardless of their jersey number or position, as long as they are on the line of scrimmage. In the NFL, only players with specific jersey numbers are eligible on special teams plays, and they must be lined up on the end of the line of scrimmage.
These exceptions to the eligibility rules on special teams can lead to exciting plays and unexpected outcomes. Change of Eligibility:
During a play, a player’s eligibility can change depending on their actions and movements before the snap.
For example, an ineligible player can become eligible if they declare their intentions to become a legal receiver to the referee. Once declared, they must remain set for one second before the snap.
Another example of a change of eligibility is the case of an interior lineman who reports as eligible to the referee before lining up in an eligible position. The referee will announce the player’s eligibility, allowing them to catch a forward pass legally.
The failure to report or a player improperly checking in could result in a loss of yardage. Illegal shifts can also change a player’s eligibility status.
If two or more players are moving simultaneously in the same direction before the snap, it is an Illegal Shift. If all motioning players are covered by a receiver with an eligible number, the Illegal shift may be ignored, and the play continues.
4) Examples:
William “The Refrigerator” Perry:
One of the most famous examples of an interior lineman becoming eligible occurred during the 1985 NFL season. William “The Refrigerator” Perry played defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears but was deployed as a tight end near the goal line.
He became eligible by reporting to the referee and lining up in an eligible position as a receiver. The move paid off as Perry caught a touchdown pass, becoming a fan favorite and television sensation.
Patriots vs. Ravens Trick Play:
Another famous example of a team using creative eligibility rules is the New England Patriots’ infamous trick play against the Baltimore Ravens in 2015.
The play, known as “The Swinging Gate,” featured Shane Vereen lining up as the slot receiver while the rest of the team lined up on the left sideline. When the ball was snapped, Vereen ran behind the offensive line, while the right tackle and left tackle were on the right side of the field acting as eligible receivers.
The wide receiver on the play-side was also eligible, but Vereen was considered an ineligible receiver. As a result, the play exploited a loophole in the eligibility rules and created a big play that caught the Ravens off guard.
This play was the catalyst for a rule change the following year that banned this type of formation and made it clear which players were eligible to receive a forward pass. The rule change added to the complexity of the game, making it essential to have a deep understanding of the eligibility rules to keep up with the sport.
In conclusion, the exceptions to eligibility rules and creative plays that teams devise to exploit these rules provide an added layer of intrigue to football. With these exceptions, interior linemen and players who may not traditionally be viewed as offensive weapons can become critical parts of an offensive scheme.
However, as seen in the case of “The Swinging Gate,” the rules can be changed, and creative teams must continually adapt and evolve their tactics to find new ways to be successful. In conclusion, understanding the eligible receiver rules and exceptions is essential in football to ensure fair play and creative play calling.
Exceptions, such as those on special teams and shifts in eligibility, can provide unexpected and entertaining outcomes. However, as seen in the example of the Patriots versus Ravens trick play, rule changes can limit the effectiveness of these tactics, so teams must continually evolve their approaches.
Overall, this article highlights the importance of understanding football’s basic rules to appreciate the sport fully, whether playing or watching.
FAQs:
Q: What is an eligible receiver in football?
A: An eligible receiver is a player who is legally able to catch a forward pass, based on their jersey number and position. Q: What happens if an ineligible player catches a pass?
A: If an ineligible player touches a forward pass, it results in a 5-yard loss of down and the next play starts from the current ball position. Q: What are the exceptions to eligibility rules in football?
A: Exceptions to eligibility rules include special teams play, interior linemen reporting as eligible, and changes in eligibility due to shifts in formation. Q: How did the Patriots versus Ravens trick play exploit eligibility rules?
A: The Patriots versus Ravens trick play exploited eligibility rules by lining up an ineligible receiver and three eligible players in a confusing formation, leading to a big play. Q: Why is it essential to understand eligibility rules in football?
A: A deep understanding of eligibility rules is crucial to ensure fair play and make informed decisions on play calling, especially in situations where exceptions come into play.