1.1A player is considered to have control of the ball when the player has the ball firmly held in 1 or both hands, arms or legs or holds the ball firmly in 1 or both hands, arms or legs or holds the ball firmly under the body without having the ball touch the ground. The grip on the ball must be firm enough to enable the player to stop the rotation of the ball and be able to exhibit influence over its direction.
1.2A player who leaves the ground to make a catch or interception must have control of the ball when first returning to the ground with any part of the body touching the ground in bounds prior to any part of the body touching out of bounds.
2. Possession of the Ball
2.1A team must have possession of the ball to score a touchdown or to earn a first down. When a team obtains possession from the opponents, they will be awarded a first down where the ball becomes dead. After being awarded a first down, a team keeps possession for 3 downs, unless the opponents gain control of the ball, or either is awarded first down by penalty. During the 3 downs, the team in possession must gain the required distance for first down or score a touchdown, otherwise, they will give up possession.
2.2A player is considered to have possession of the ball if that player has control of the ball. If control of the ball is lost, the player no longer is considered to have possession of the ball.
2.3A team is considered to have possession of the ball when one of its players has control of the ball or awarded possession by the rules. A team loses possession when the opponents intercept a legal pass or through a turnover on downs.
2.4Both offensive and defensive players are not allowed to slap or strip the ball from a ball carrier while it is in their hands or make contact with an opponent's hands while catching the ball.