Passing
ARTICLE 1.
Passing the ball is throwing it. A pass continues to be a pass until it is caught or intercepted by a player or the ball becomes dead.
Forward and Backward Pass
ARTICLE 2.
A pass is forward if the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything else beyond the spot where the ball is released. All other passes are backward passes. When in question a pass thrown in or behind the neutral zone is forward rather than a backward pass.(Exception: Games using Instant Replay)
When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the neutral zone, any intentional forward movement of his hand or arm with the ball firmly in his control starts the forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or ball after forward movement begins and the ball leaves the passer’s hand, a forward pass is ruled regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player (A.R. 2-19-2-I).
When in question, the ball is passed and not fumbled during an attempted forward pass. (Exception: Games using Instant Replay)
A snap becomes a backward pass when the snapper releases the ball (A.R. 2-23-1-I).
Crosses Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 3.
A legal forward pass has crossed the neutral zone when it first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the neutral zone inbounds. It has not crossed the neutral zone when it first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything in or behind the neutral zone inbounds.
A player has crossed the neutral zone if his entire body has been beyond the neutral zone.
A legal forward pass is beyond or behind the neutral zone where it crosses the sideline.
Catchable Forward Pass
ARTICLE 4.
A catchable forward pass is an untouched legal forward pass beyond the neutral zone to an eligible player who has a reasonable opportunity to catch the ball. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable.