Illegal participation?

[CrossHairs]

Quick question,

Last night, during a kick off, my player was blocked/driven out of bounds and to the ground by the recieving team. The same player got back up and chased down and assisted on the tackle. He was flagged for illegal participation. Can you please explain this rule, because the ref refused to. Thanks

 

[White hat]

Any player on the offensive team or kicking team cannot go out of bounds and return, then participate.

IF, however, he is driven out of bounds by the opponent, he MUST RETURN at the EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.

Obviously I can't see the play, but if the official believed he stayed out of bounds longer than he needed to (ran up the sideline out of bounds, for instance) then he would be flagged for IP if he returns and makes the tackle. If he was driven out and ran straight back onto the field, by rule it would be ignored.

 

[CrossHairs]

Thanks White Hat,

He was driven out of bounds and to the ground, jumped right up and assisted the tackle. Thanks for confirming the rule.