Grounding with Illegal Shift

authored by Anonymous• NIRSA Flag Football Rules Book• 22nd Edition• Rule 10-3-8• Page 87

First and 10 at B’s 30. A-4 is illegally shifting when the ball is snapped. A-1 retreats to A’s 35 and, with no eligible receiver nearby, throws the ball into the ground to avoid a loss. B accepts whichever A foul gives B the better result.

This is a multiple foul by A, so B may select only one live-ball penalty. Choosing the illegal shift gives A 2nd and 15 at B’s 35 after 5 yards from the previous spot. Choosing intentional grounding gives a 5-yard penalty from the spot of the illegal pass, A’s 35, plus loss of down, placing the ball at A’s 30 for 2nd and 30. B will choose intentional grounding. The final result is A’s ball, 2nd and 30 at A’s 30. Rules 10-3-8, 10-3-7, and 10-2-1B.

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