QuestionLate in the Montreal at Saskatchewan game, the officials ruled a Touchdown for Saskatchewan on a play where it looked like both Matt Dominguez and a Montreal defender caught the ball at the same time. Why is that a TD?
Answer
This situation is referred to as a simultaneous catch and is covered in the Passing Rule. Rule 6 Section 4 Forward Pass Article 5 (c) Completed Pass states that a pass is completed when caught simultaneously by players of both teams who maintain possession until the play is terminated,
and that the ball shall be awarded to the offence.In this case the play would be terminated when both players have possession and touch the ground, even though the Montreal defender ended up wrestling the ball away from the Saskatchewan receiver.
Tom Higgins is the CFL’s Director of Officiating. Prior to joining the Canadian Football League office, Higgins spent more than 25 years as a player, coach and personnel director.
After reading this is everyone satisfied with the TD or do you still think the call was wrong.