5-time state chump wrote:If a punt rolls to the 1/2 yd line and a member of the punting team dives on it, and the player diving on it slides into end zone / is clearly in the end zone, but the ball stays on the 1/2 yd line, that is receiving teams ball at the 1/2 yd line correct? The ball has to actually enter the end zone for it to be a touchback, correct?
My interpretation of the rule is if a member of the punting team gained "control" of the ball in field of play and momentum carried player and ball past goal line, it is a touch back. If a player from the receiving team gained "control" of ball and momentum carried player and ball past goal line, ball is placed on the 1 yard line. In your example, the ball does not cross the goal line, so it would be spotted where it was downed even if a part of their body (but not the ball) crossed the goal line. This is just my interpretation of the rule and have no idea if it's correct.