BAFRA Ruling on Backward passes and Fumbles

Some discussion might help in my ruling of the backward pass that was not caught, but picked up and ran in for a touchdown...

Rule 7 Section 2 (Backward Pass and Fumble) -
A backward pass or fumble may be caught or recovered by any inbounds player.
a. If caught, the ball continues in play (A.R. 7-2-2:I and II)
b. If recovered by the fumbling or passing team, the ball continues in play . THIS IS THE RELEVANT SECTION.
c. If recovered by an opponent of the fumbling team, the ball continues in play.
d. If recovered by an opponent of the passing team, the ball continues in play.
e. If a backward pass or fumble is caught or recovered simultaneously by opposing players, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the team last in possession.

As the Ref, I believed the pass was backwards, and therefore when the pass was dropped, the ball was fumbled. No whistle was blown (I believe), and the ball was live.

This also applies to the quick pass to Tim that was dropped and recovered by the Devils.
From my position, Tim was behind the LOS, and when he went to catch the ball in was over his left/back shoulder. With the quick pass, the ball went backwards and was fumbled. The opposition recovered.

I hope this explains the calls made by me on the day, and that it is probably best to jump on the ball if in any doubt.


And never shoot the messenger, as he writes the Stats!!!