NFHS Football Case Plays - Rule 2 (Definitions of Playing Terms) Questions with Correct Answers

2.8 SITUATION A: After the ball is marked ready for play for a scrimmage down: (a) B1 enters the neutral zone to give defensive signals; or (b) B2, the nose guard, places his hand on the ground so that it is in contact with the ball. After the ready-for-play signal and the snapper places hand(s) on the ball: (c) A1 or B3 break the plane of the neutral zone; or (d) B1 is conferring with his coach and is on A's side of the neutral zone. Correct Answer RULING: Encroachment in (a), (b), (c) and (d). Whenever a player is illegally in the neutral zone, it is encroachment. (7-1, 7-2) 2.8 SITUATION B: After the ball is marked ready for play for a free kick, but before it is kicked: (a) place-kick holder K1 kneels so one leg and part of his body are beyond K's free-kick line; or (b) K2 who is near the kicker or the place-kick holder is beyond K's free-kick line before the ball is kicked. Correct Answer RULING: In (a), it is permissible for the place-kick holder or the kicker to be beyond the free-kick line prior to the time the ball is kicked. In (b), it is encroachment for any other player to be beyond his free-kick line prior to the time the ball is kicked. 2.8 SITUATION C: Following the ready-for-play signal, but before the free kick: (a) R1 advances to block the kicker/holder and is beyond the plane of R's free-kick line before the ball is kicked; or(b) R has only four players within 5 yards of its free-kick line; or (c) R2, who is one of several R players within 5 yards of his free-kick line, retreats from this area prior to the time the ball is kicked. Correct Answer RULING: In (a), it is encroachment. The covering official will sound his whistle to prevent the ball from being kicked when encroachment occurs. In (b) and (c), the action is legal, as there is no requirement for positioning of R players on their side of the neutral zone. 2.15.2 SITUATION: It is first and 10 for A at B's 12-yard line. A1 sprints near the end line and then buttonhooks. He jumps and possesses a forward pass while in the air above the end zone.