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CANADIAN ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

Statements provided are either “Correct” or “Incorrect” • If the answer to the question is “Yes”, “True” or “Correct”, mark an X in the circle enclosing the “C” (for Correct). • If the answer to the question is “No”, “False” or “Incorrect”, mark an X in the circle enclosing the “I” (for incorrect). • The exam will be available on Class Marker as True or False Only the answer sheet of the examination will be sent to the grader. You retain the questions for further study. If correction is by perforated key, you must use care in clearly marking correct circles on the answer sheet. Time Required – 120 minutes maximum Note: All questions are to be answered using the Canadian Rule Book for Amateur Football, in conjunction with rules changes approved for the 2020 season. Note: This exam is required to maintain your FCOCP level and for demonstrating your awareness of rules and rules changes.

CFOA Examination Team The CFOA acknowledges the contributions of questions from the Eastern Ontario Tackle FOA, Lakeshore FOA, Manitoba FOA, Regina FOA, Calgary FOA, Chatham Kent FOA, Georgian Bay FOA, Durham York FOA, and New Brunswick FOA. Special thanks to Football Canada for French translation. This exam was vetted by a committee consisting of: Rick Rumney (London FOA), Rob Christian (Kingston FOA), Al Gates (NBFOA), James Cowtun (Manitoba FOA), Kevin Mickleboro (Hamilton FOA) and Walter Berry (Rulebook Editor) Editing: Don Wilcox (EOTFOA) Coordinator: Ron Hallock (CFOA) & Kelsey Johnson (CFOA)

2020 CFOA Rules Examination OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

Question 1 After the 3-minute warning in the half, Team A dribbles the out of bounds on the field of play. The clock is held until the .

2 After the 3-minute warning, Team A is 1D-and-10 at the B24-yard line. The the ball at the B12-yard line, and it goes directly out of bounds at the B11-yard line. On the next play the referee will hold the clock until the snap, as the ball went out of bounds.

3 After the 3-minute warning, Team A is 1D-and-10 at the B24-yard line. The running back fumbles the ball at the B12-yard line, and it goes directly out of bounds at the B11-yard line. The ball is spotted at the B11-yard line, 1D for Team A. Is this correct?

4 Team A punts from the A45-yard line. The ball bounces in bounds at the B35-yard line. The Team B returner, in preparing to field the ball, steps out of bounds and returns completely onto the field before falling on the ball at the B30-yard line. The deep throws a for illegal participation. The officials rule the player re-entered the field and recovered a loose ball and give Team A the ball at the B30-yard line. This is the correct ruling.

5 With no time remaining in the 4th quarter, Team A scores a . If the one-point convert is successful, the game will be tied and go to as per the rule book. On the touchdown play Team B is called for a face mask penalty. The Referee tells Team A the penalty may only be applied on the convert. Are the officials correct?

6 During an offensive series the Referee notices the QB is holding his ear holes between plays. When asked, the player indicates he has a radio to communicate with his coach to get plays. The Referee throws his flag and asks the player to leave the game until the equipment is removed. A 10-yard penalty is also assessed. Is this correct?

7 After the Referee has blown-in a play, the and Referee notice the offence has 13 in the huddle. The extra player leaves the field before the ball is snapped. The Team B defensive coach is angry Team A was not flagged for 13 players in the huddle. The officials were correct.

8 On a kickoff, the ball is touched by the Team B returner. The covering official winds the clock in when it is touched. When the returner is tackled, the covering official waves time out. These are correct timing procedures.

9 Team A is in possession until it loses possession. Team B is in possession when a B player gains possession. Between these times, the ball is in neither Team’s possession and is defined as a “loose ball”.

10 With 2 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter, Team A scores to make the score 45- 10. The Referee advises both coaches the clock will be running time for the rest of the game. This is the correct mercy rule application.

11 Team A punts. Receiver B45 drops to both knees before the ball reaches the receiver and makes the catch while kneeling. The covering official blows the play dead and waves time out. The official was correct.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

12 During the play Team A fumbles the ball at the B3-yard line and it goes directly out of bounds in the end zone. The officials rule Team B 1D-and-10 from the B20-yard line.

13 Team A (3D-and-12) lines up on the where A32 will attempt a scrimmage kick. In order to rule on potential contact from the opponent, the Referee moves into position on the “leg” of the kicker, putting him on the short side of the field. This is correct.

14 Team A lines up in formation. Cornerback B18 blitzes. A58, who is an upback, cut blocks B18. The Referee this for blocking below the waist. This is the correct call.

15 A32 is running with the ball. A Team B player grabs the inside of the back of the shoulder pads of the ballcarrier, bringing A32 to a full stop and to the ground. Is this a horse collar penalty?

16 After a 1D play, Team A gained 8 yards. The downsbox official changes the down and moves to the new LOS, unaware a flag has been thrown. After a lengthy discussion, the downsbox official returns to the original LOS but does not change the Down. Only the Line Judge notices the incorrect Down on the Downsbox, immediately blows his whistle to prevent the snap, and informs the Referee. The LJ is correct to do this.

17 Team A scores a field , Team B elects to kick off from the B35-yard line. Are the officials correct to allow this?

18 A Team A player who begins the play 5 yards outside the tight end position runs into the blocking below the waist area and, without stopping, cuts the defensive end. Is this a legal play?

19 Team A 1D-and-10 at the A3. A10 fumbles the ball in the Team A end zone, and while attempting to recover the ball, A10 is forcibly and deliberately knocked away by B99. The ball goes dead in the end zone in Team B’s possession. Team B is awarded a touchdown.

20 Team A attempts a from the B25-yard line. The kick is wide into the end zone. There is an inadvertent whistle while the ball is in the air. Team B’s only option is to concede a point.

21 Team A QB throws a that hits the uprights and the ball bounces into the Team A end zone. A18 recovers the ball and is downed in the end zone. Team B has scored a safety . 22 Team A punts into the Team B end zone. B21 touches the ball but does not possess it. A24 dribbles the ball out of the end zone. Team A scores a rouge.

23 Team A fumbles into the Team B end zone where it is recovered by B6, who then fumbles the ball across the goal line and out of bounds in the field of play. The Referee awards a touchdown to Team A.

24 Ballcarrier B26 is knocked back into, but not held, in his own end zone and is then tackled in the end zone. A safety has been scored by Team A.

25 Team A runs a sweep. After gaining 5 yards, B14 disrupts the lead blocking by cutting the offensive linemen below the waist. This is a legal defensive tactic.

26 A ball thrown toward one's own line is an example of an onside pass.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

27 Team A 1D on the A45-yard line. The QB throws a screen pass from the A38-yard line but it is blown backwards and lands on the A35-yard line. The play is blown dead. Is the official correct to blow the play dead?

28 The Referee starts the clock with 1:50 left in the 2nd Quarter. With 1:38 left on the game clock, a flash of lightning is seen in the sky. The game is stopped. When the game restarts, the Referee will start the clock at 1:38 on his signal and reset the to 20 seconds

29 The penalty for a time count violation on a kick-off is L10.

30 The penalty for a time count violation on 1D or 2D in overtime is LD or L10.

31 The right guard assumes a three-point stance with his left hand on the ground. He sees that Team B is ready to blitz. He uses his right arm to point at a potential blitzing linebacker and then resets for a full second before the ball is snapped. This is not a penalty.

32 Team A lines up with eight men on the , which includes eligible ends and four men in the backfield. This is a penalty.

33 Flanker A82 is approaching the LOS and steps into the neutral zone before the snap. The side official should throw his flag and immediately blow his whistle.

34 Team A 2D-and-10 from the A5-yard line. A16 gains two yards and is tackled in front of a goal post. For the 3D play, Team A may request the ball be placed at the hash mark nearest that post.

35 B56 is attempting to tackle A6, when A62 pulls A6 forward for additional yards. Is this a tandem buck?

36 Ballcarrier A24 is running through the line when a Team B player reaches up and grabs the inside of A24’s jersey on the side; another Team B player then hits A24 directly in the front, stopping his forward progress. This is a UR horse collar.

37 Team A attempts to punt on 3D. The kick is blocked, and the ball goes dead in Team A possession in its end zone. Team B has the option to take the ball at PLS.

38 If an offside Team A player is within the 5-yard restraining zone on a punt, he shall be penalized even if the kicker is the first player to touch the ball.

39 Team A punts. In attempting to catch the ball, it hits returner B18 in the hands and bounces on the ground at his feet. As B18 picks up the ball, he is immediately tackled by A49 who was 3 yards away from the returner when the ball was first touched. The official throws the flag for no yards and rules the penalty is no yards – 5 yards.

40 Team A attempts a field goal. The ball deflects off a Team A lineman who is behind the LOS. The ball continues downfield and goes through the uprights. It is ruled to be good.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

41 Team A attempts a field goal from the B10-yard line. The kick strikes the helmet of a Team B player and hits the goal post assembly and bounces back into the field of play. The Team A kicker is first to pick up the ball and runs into the end zone. A touchdown is scored.

42 A17 attempts a convert. The snap is fumbled by the holder. While the ball is loose on the ground A17 kicks it into the end zone. A17 then falls on the loose ball. A 2-point convert has been scored.

43 Team A 3D-and-10, punts from the B50-yard line. The kick is blocked. The ball is picked up by a Team A player who throws a pass to A80, who is tackled at the B35. Team A has made a first down.

44 Team A punts on 3D-and-5 from the B54-yard line. While the ball is in the air the , who is proceeding downfield, is blocked by B9 behind the LOS. Interference on the kicker is called against B9. Team A is awarded 1D-and-10 from the B44-yard line.

45 Team A punts on 3D-and-5 from the B54-yard line. The ball is blocked. While the punter is attempting to recover the ball, he is blocked by a Team B player which prevents the recovery by Team A. The ball is awarded to Team A 1D-and-10 from the point of the illegal interference. Is this correct?

46 Team A punts on 3D-and-5 from the B54-yard line. A1 is positioned behind the punter when the ball is kicked. A1 proceeds downfield after the punt, but is blocked by Team B before the LOS. Team B is called for an illegal block. The result of the penalty is Team B 1D, 10 yards back from where the ball was first touched by Team B.

47 Team A punts. The ball hits the ground and bounces back toward the kicking team. When the ball is touched by the B returner, three Team A players are within the restraining zone, though they are trying to withdraw. Team A is called for no-yards – 5 yards.

48 Team A kicks off. The kick does not go 10 yards before it is touched by A92. It is subsequently touched by players from both teams but goes out of bounds after last touched by Team A. Team B is given the following options: 1) Repeat the kick-off 5 yards back. 2) B possession where the ball was first touched by A, or where the ball went out of bounds.

49 Team B fields a punt in its end zone and runs it out. With the ball at the B8-yard line, B49 is called for holding. The play ends at the B18-yard line. The next play will be B 1D-and-10 from the B4-yard line.

50 While attempting to field a kick-off, returner B6 steps out of bounds but returns with both feet inbounds prior to catching the ball in the air. B6 is called for illegal participation.

51 On a thrown across the line of scrimmage, the offensive tackle contacts a linebacker 8 yards in advance of the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown. This is a legal block.

52 Screening can be called on an offensive receiver.

53 Team A QB pitches the ball forward to A24 behind the line of scrimmage. A24 drops the ball, which is recovered by Team B. Team B 1D at the point of recovery.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

54 On 1D the Team A QB throws a lateral pass to a . The ball sails high over the head of the receiver to out of bounds. This should be ruled as an , 2D at PLS.

55 Team A 3D-and-7 on the A51-yard line. QB in shotgun receives the snap at the A45-yard line. The ball is handed forward to a Team A Lineman who has retreated well into the Team A backfield. A second forward handoff is made on the A50-yard line to a Team A running back. The Sideline Officials rule an offside pass at the A50-yard line, yards not gained.

56 Team A, 3D-and-20 at the A10-yard line. With the ball in the end zone the QB deliberately throws the ball to the ground to avoid a sack. The QB is called for . Team B is given the option of accepting the penalty and taking a safety touch or declining the penalty to accept the play as an incomplete pass and thus gaining possession of the ball 1D-and-10 from the A10-yard line.

57 Team A attempts a 2-point convert from the B5-yard line, which is successful. However, Team A is called for pass interference. Team B chooses to have Team A repeat the convert from PLS and apply a 15-yard penalty on the kick off. Is this option correct?

58 Team A punt play breaks down and becomes a pass play. Ineligible A62 is blocking downfield, but becomes aware of the situation and no longer participates in the play. The Officials are correct to penalize A62 for being downfield illegally.

59 Team A 3D-and-5 from the A7-yard line. While trying to avoid a sack, the QB fumbles the ball from the end zone onto the field of play. The ball goes out of bounds at the A3-yard line without again being touched. The Referee is correct in providing only one option to Team B - 1D at the A3-yard line.

60 Team A fumbles the ball from the B8-yard line into the Team B end zone. Team B recovers and the play is ruled dead in the end zone. The ruling is Team B 1D-and-10 from the B20-yard line at any point between the hash marks with no score. Is this the correct ruling?

61 Team B intercepts the ball in its end zone. With the ball still in the end zone Team B is called for holding. The play ends at the B7-yard line. The following options are given: 1) Decline the penalty, Team B 1D-and-10 at the B7-yard line; OR 2) accept penalty, Team B 1D-and-10 at the B10-yard line. Is this correct?

62 Team A 3D from the B4-yard line, attempts a screen pass to the running back at the B7-yard line. Before the pass reaches him, he is tackled by a defender and the pass is incomplete. Pass Interference is called, and the ball is placed on the B1.

63 Team A attempts a forward pass. After it crosses the line of scrimmage it is touched by a B defender and then caught simultaneously by an A receiver and a B defender. The play ends immediately. Team A ball at the point where the play ended.

64 Team A punts on 3D-and-10 from the A35-yard line. It is blocked and the ball picked up by B99, who fumbles at the A30-yard line. The ball is picked up A12, who throws a pass to A82, who is tackled at the A50-yard line. The Referee awards A 1D-and-10 at the A50-yard line. Is this correct?

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

65 Ball carrier A33 is running in the open field when B55 approaches from the front. A33 lowers his head and uses it to thrust upward with force into the head of B55. The covering official is correct in calling A33 for a Rough Play penalty.

66 B99 grabs linemen A67 and A55, pulling them on top of himself to the ground. B44 sprints through the to the QB. The Umpire calls B99 for holding.

67 Team A attempts to punt on 3D-and-15. B1 attempts to block the kick, but does not touch the ball. His momentum causes him to contact the punter, who falls to the ground. The Referee calls a “contacting the kicker” penalty. If accepted, the 10-yard penalty will be applied at PLS, resulting in 3D-and-5.

68 A88 in celebrating his touchdown, throws the ball into the stands. The covering Official rules this an objectionable conduct penalty. Team B is given the option to apply the penalty on the convert or subsequent kickoff.

69 On a kick from scrimmage B51 hurdles the center, but makes no contact. The Umpire calls B51 for UR, but the Referee waves off the penalty since there was no contact. Is the Referee correct?

70 A player on the ground is considered a defenseless player, whether or not they have possession of the ball.

71 It is illegal to deliver any block on an opponent while the blocker is moving toward their own dead ball line, anywhere on the field. This is known as a “Blindside Block.”

72 Team A kicks off. 3 Team B players align shoulder to shoulder 1 yard apart and run together attempting to block for the ball carrier. Is this legal?

73 Team A ballcarrier initiates a slide. The Team B tackler takes another step, then dives onto the sliding player, without making any head contact. The covering Official calls Team B for UR piling on.

74 A54 pulls to his right to lead a sweep outside the tight end position. B46 engages A54 below the waist, outside the tight end position, to disrupt the blocking. The Head Linesman calls Team B for an “illegal block.”

75 At halftime Team A is ahead by 37 points. On the opening kickoff Team B runs the ball back for a touchdown and successfully scores a 2-point convert. Regular timing resumes.

76 Team A 3D on the A1-yard line. The play is killed, and Team A flagged for illegal procedure when the left tackle moves early. Options to Team B should be: a) Team A 3D-and-10 on the A1-yard-line; OR b) Team B 1D-and-goal on the A1-yard line.

77 Team A punts from the A20-yard line. While the ball is in the air, a Team B player commits a blindside block at the A18-yard line. The ball is caught by B36 and returned for a touchdown, after which B36 is flagged for taunting. One of the options provided by the Referee is to apply both penalties at the POP by the returner. Is this a correct option?

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

78 Team A scrimmages from the B45-yard line. The QB while scrambling is wrapped up by a defender and throws an incomplete pass. While being tackled the QB is face masked. The Line Judge reports to the Referee there were no eligible receivers in the area of the pass. Both intentional grounding and UR face mask are called. One option provided to the captains is: 15-yard UR face mask and spot foul for intentional grounding. The ball will go to PLS, with 15 yards applied against Team B for the UR.

79 The ball is snapped with 0 seconds on the clock, 2nd Quarter. Team A is tackled for a 2-yard loss on the A33-yard line. Team A is flagged for objectionable conduct during the play. There must be another play in the 2nd quarter as the half cannot end on a penalty.

80 A dual penalty is when two officials call the same penalty.

81 Team A is 2D from the B4-yard line. Team A runs the ball and is tackled on the B3-yard line. A Team B defender is called for offside. Team A can accept the penalty and have 1D at the B2-yard line.

82 Team A 2D-and-8. Team A runs a slow-developing screen pass. As the RB turns to receive the pass a Team B lineman grabs the RB and commits Pass Interference behind the LOS. A Team B Linebacker also comes in and “blows up” the RB who is in a vulnerable position reaching for the pass, which falls incomplete. Pass Interference and UR are called. Both penalties are accepted. The officials assess 15 yards against Team B from PLS. This is correct.

83 Team A punts into the Team B end zone. Team A is called for no yards - 15 yards in the end zone. While the ball is still in the end zone Team B is called for holding. The play ends at the B4-yard line. If both teams accept the penalties it will be B 1D with no points scored.

84 Team A is 2D-and-goal from the B6-yard line. Team B is called for too many men, Team A is called for offside and UR during the play. The result of the play is a touchdown for Team A. If all the penalties are accepted the next play will be Team A 2D from the B16-yard line.

85 3D-and-15 on the A22-yard line, Team A carries the ball and fumbles it at the A28-yard line. As the ball lies on the field, Team B kicks the ball to the A12-yard line, where a Team A player falls on the ball. The next play is Team B 1D-and-10 at the A12-yard line.

86 Team A punts into the Team B end zone. While the ball is on the ground, Team B blocks a Team A player, preventing them from recovering the ball. Team B is called for illegal interference - loose ball. Is this the correct call?

87 Team A misses a field goal from the B40-yard line. A24, who was on the line (in front of the kicker) when the ball was kicked, jumps on the ball in the end zone. The officials rule this is a penalty, and do not award a touchdown.

88 On a windy day, 3D-and-9, Team A punts the ball. It travels across the LOS but gets blown back and is caught by offside A33 behind the LOS. A33 advances the ball 11 yards. Team A is awarded 1D.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (Established 1969) 2020 CFOA EXAMINATION

89 Team A is 2D-and-10 on the A40-yard line and quick kicks the ball, which is shanked and does not cross the line of scrimmage. Onside A33 knocks the loose ball directly out of bounds at the A39-yard line. Ruling on the field: Team A 3D at the A39-yard line.

90 While the ball is loose on the ground from a , Team B holds a Team A player 20 yards away from the play. Is it correct to flag as illegal interference on a loose ball?

91 Team A punts the ball to an open area of the field. The punter runs up and passes offside A33, after which the ball takes a funny bounce and is recovered by A33 with no Team B players in the area. This is a legal recovery.

92 Team A 3D-and-25 at the A10-yard line, punts the ball which travels 20 yards downfield. Onside Team A player legally recovers the ball and it goes dead at the A30-yard line. Ruling on the field is Team B ball 1D-and-10 at the A30-yard line.

93 The ball is lying on the ground after a fumble. Team A and Team B players are both diving at the ball to recover it. The larger Team B player's dive knocks the Team A player away from the ball and Team B recovers the ball. The ball is awarded to Team B 1D at PBD.

94 Team A punts on 3D-and-5, A88 is the only onside player. A88 sprints downfield and in an attempt to recover the ball, knocks it backwards where it is recovered by A33, 15 yards downfield from the LOS. A33 is flagged for illegal recovery. Is this a penalty?

95 Team A 3D-and-20 on the A10-yard line, attempts a punt. It bounces off the hands of returner B22 at the A35-yard line. The ball bounces back toward the kicking team where A57 recovers the ball at the A27-yard line. The next scrimmage will be Team A 1D at the A27-yard line.

96 Team A throws a screen pass. Wide receiver A18 is 20 yards downfield and blocks a Team B player below the waist. The official calls blocking below the waist on A18 and applies a 15-yard UR penalty. Is this correct?

97 Team A attempts a punt in the field of play. B26 blocks the punt and then bats it into the A end zone. Team A player falls on the ball in the end zone. Team B has scored a Safety.

98 Team A QB throws the ball forward. The receiver tips the ball and it deflects off the Umpire’s shoulder before being caught by a B player. - it is now B 1D.

99 Team A 1D-and-10 on A30-yard line completes a screen pass to A34 at the A28-yard line. A34 then hands the ball to teammate A18 who is in front of him. A18 is then tackled at the A43-yard line. Team A 2D-and-12 from the A28.

100 On 2D-and-10, receiver A92 runs a down-and-out pattern. Before the ball is thrown, A92 pushes off the defender, gaining 3 yards of separation. The QB sees this and throws to A92, who makes the catch and runs for a touchdown. Penalty: no score, Team A 2D-and-20.

2020 CFOA Rules Examination