This is #13 in a series covering football’s original 61 rules adopted by the Intercollegiate Football Association in 1876. We review one rule each Friday. To understand Rule 13, readers need to consider Rules 8 and 12. Rule 8 says, "The ball is dead when it rests absolutely motionless on the ground," while Rule 12 indicates, "A player may take up the ball whenever it is rolling or bounding except in a scrimmage." So, the ball is dead when motionless, and players can pick up the ball when rolling or bounding,
Today’s Tidbit… 1876 IFA Rule #13 Dead Ball
Today’s Tidbit… 1876 IFA Rule #13 Dead Ball
Today’s Tidbit… 1876 IFA Rule #13 Dead Ball
This is #13 in a series covering football’s original 61 rules adopted by the Intercollegiate Football Association in 1876. We review one rule each Friday. To understand Rule 13, readers need to consider Rules 8 and 12. Rule 8 says, "The ball is dead when it rests absolutely motionless on the ground," while Rule 12 indicates, "A player may take up the ball whenever it is rolling or bounding except in a scrimmage." So, the ball is dead when motionless, and players can pick up the ball when rolling or bounding,