The NFL's competition committee has endorsed a proposal that would eliminate the "force-out" rule that has been the subject of much controversy over the years.
Under the current rule, an official can rule a pass near the sidelines a catch even if the receiver fails to get both feet in bounds. If the official feels that the receiver was forced out by the defensive back before being able to get both feet down, the play can be ruled a catch.
If 24 of 32 owners vote in favor of the current proposal at their annual spring meetings next week in Palm Beach, Fla., the rule will be abolished. A receiver will either be ruled in or out of bounds, period. No more judgement calls from the official.
I'll second the motion on this one. Better to make it a black-and-white call rather than a judgement call, especially on touchdown passes. If the receiver gets both feet down, he's in. If not, he's out. End of story.
Comments (2)
Come on BG,receiver goes up for pass,is wrapped up around waist by DB & carried out of bounds before feet touch ground and you will rule no-catch?
I'm with you Tom. I'd just catch the guy and carry him out of bounds.