When To Award Series
ARTICLE 1.
A series (Rule 2-24-1) of up to four consecutive scrimmage downs shall be awarded to the team that is next to put the ball in play by a snap after a free kick, touchback, fair catch, or change in team possession, or to the offensive team in overtime.
A new series shall be awarded to Team A if it is in legal possession of the ball on or beyond its line to gain when the ball is declared dead.
A new series shall be awarded to Team B if, after fourth down, Team A has failed to earn a first down (A.R. 10-1-5-I).
A new series shall be awarded to Team B if Team A’s scrimmage kick goes out of bounds or comes to rest and no player attempts to secure it (Exception: Rule 8-5-1-a).
A new series shall be awarded to the team in legal possession when the ball is declared dead:
If a change of team possession occurs during the down.