Touchback question(s)

[VAHSFootballFan]

Similar to an earlier question. Kick-off goes overhead of returner. Returner runs back and enters the endzone. He picks up the ball with the ball inside the one but not in the endzone, however, the returner was in the endzone. Should this have been a touchback?
Also, I've seen an NFL replay where a returner intentionally stepped out of bounds and then reached to pick-up the ball while his foot was out of bounds, resulting in a kick-off out of bounds call. Does this apply in HS as well?

 

[VAOfficial]

Similar to an earlier question. Kick-off goes overhead of returner. Returner runs back and enters the endzone. He picks up the ball with the ball inside the one but not in the endzone, however, the returner was in the endzone. Should this have been a touchback?
Also, I've seen an NFL replay where a returner intentionally stepped out of bounds and then reached to pick-up the ball while his foot was out of bounds, resulting in a kick-off out of bounds call. Does this apply in HS as well?

It only matters where the ball is. The ball had not broken the plane of the end zone, so the ball is still live.

This does not apply to high school. The key word you used is “intentionally.” It is a foul for illegal participation if any player intentionally goes out of bounds during the down and then intentionally touches the ball. Rule 9-6-2.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

It only matters where the ball is. The ball had not broken the plane of the end zone, so the ball is still live.

This does not apply to high school. The key word you used is “intentionally.” It is a foul for illegal participation if any player intentionally goes out of bounds during the down and then intentionally touches the ball. Rule 9-6-2.

Two questions. “Intentional” would/could/will be, a judgement call? And suppose it was not intentional? Just something that occurred? What’s the ruling?

 

[VAOfficial]

Two questions. “Intentional” would/could/will be, a judgement call? And suppose it was not intentional? Just something that occurred? What’s the ruling?

It is a judgment call. If it was deemed unintentional then it’s not a foul as rule 9-6-2 requires intent.

 

[VAHSFootballFan]

It is a judgment call. If it was deemed unintentional then it’s not a foul as rule 9-6-2 requires intent.

Then would the ball be placed where he went out or as a kick out of bounds?

 

[VAOfficial]

Then would the ball be placed where he went out or as a kick out of bounds?

The player has out of bounds status when he is touching out of bounds, so it is just as if the ball touched the sideline when it touches him. This would be a foul for a kick out of bounds untouched by the receiving team (in the field of play).