Question
In a game recently, Brett Ralph caught a pass right at the goal line,
with his feet in the end zone, but it was not ruled a touchdown. Why
Not?
Answer
The official who ruled on the play had perfect position looking right
along the plane of the goal line, which the ball must “break” in order
for a touchdown to be scored.
The receiver’s feet were in the
end zone, but he was leaning back into the field of play to make the
catch and the official was able to see clearly that the ball did NOT
break the plane of the goal line; therefore no touchdown could be
awarded.
Tom Higgins is the CFL’s Director of Officiating. Prior
to joining the Canadian Football League office, Higgins spent more than
25 years as a player, coach and personnel director.
