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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