Fumble
1. The distinction between a fumble and a muff should be
kept in mind in considering rules about fumbles. A
fumble is the loss of player possession of the ball. A
muff is the touching of a loose ball by a player in an
unsuccessful attempt to obtain possession.
2. A fumble may be advanced by any player on either team
regardless of whether recovered before or after ball
hits the ground.
3. A fumble that goes forward and out of bounds will
return to the fumbling team at the spot of the fumble
unless the ball goes out of bounds in the opponent’s end
zone. In this case, it is a touchback.
4. On a play from scrimmage, if an offensive player
fumbles anywhere on the field during fourth down, only
the fumbling player is permitted to recover and/or
advance the ball. If any player fumbles after the
two-minute warning in a half, only the fumbling player
is permitted to recover and/or advance the ball. If
recovered by any other offensive player, the ball is
dead at the spot of the fumble unless it is recovered
behind the spot of the fumble. In that case, the ball is
dead at the spot of recovery. Any defensive player may
recover and/or advance any fumble at any time.
5. A muffed hand-to-hand snap from center is treated as
a fumble.
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