Article 1 – Ball in Play
The ball is in play when:
- a) It has been put into play by a kick off or scrimmage, until a field official stops play by sounding the whistle.
- b) It strikes an official who is not out of bounds, except on a forward pass.
- c) It is on the ground not in possession of a player.
- d) It is held in position by a player for the purpose of making a place kick, except on a kick off.
- e) A forward pass is intercepted by a player in their end zone.
- f) An offside pass is made and/or the ball goes loose.
- g) A ball is dribbled in bounds.
- h) A dribbled ball hits the goal post assembly.
- i) A kicked ball hits the goal post assembly after striking the ground, a player, or official, or after being kicked from the end zone.
- j) A lateral pass hits the goal post assembly.
Article 2 – Injury Stoppage
The play shall not be stopped because of player injury, or to impose a penalty until the ball is dead.
No delay shall be allowed for player injury, or for any other reason, except by permission of a field official, who has the full authority to require the immediate removal from the field of a player who may require the services of a trainer or doctor.
Penalty for unauthorized delay: L10, no option.
So as not to penalize teams unduly, the Referee will call an official time out of no more than two (2) minutes to allow for medical attention and/or care of equipment related to bleeding. Neither Team shall be charged with a time out. (Refer to Code of Ethics – Responsibilities to Players – 7, 8)