Penalty Assessment During Touchdown Play
Posted: 9/14/2012
Q6: – In a recent game B scored a touchdown during the first half. The runner was face-masked (5-yard variety) on the field of play before crossing the goal line, and a flag was thrown. B was given the option of EITHER the touchdown OR the penalty. At halftime, I spoke to the game officials, saying that B should've been given the option of BOTH the touchdown AND having the penalty assessed on the ensuing kickoff or try. All 5 officials said I was wrong. Given Rule 8.2.2, were the officials wrong? And why do so few officials seem to be aware of this unique HS rule?
A6: – Yes. The option should be enforcement on the try or on the next kickoff.
ART. 2 . . . If an opponent of the scoring team commits a foul (other than unsportsmanlike conduct or a nonplayer foul) during a down in which a touchdown is scored and there was not a change in possession during the down, A may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the penalty:
a. On the try, or
b. On the subsequent kickoff.
