Question about calling a challenge in football...

[toekramp]

I was at the bar today watching the Lions/Texans game, when Detroit challenged the spot of the ball. The ref reviewed the spot, moved the ball back about 1 foot, however the Texans still got a first down. Now because the sound was on for the Redskins game, I couldn't hear the refs explanation... since Detroit was right that the ball was placed incorrectly, but wrong that they didn't get a first, were they charged a timeout?

Thanks.

 

[Argo]

I always wondered that as well. I think the team will still be charged a timeout, since they were challenging the fact that the ball "did not cross the first down line". Now, the ref is always free to correct other mistakes when they review the play, not just the ones coach challenges.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

I didn't see the game you are referring to, but generally speaking I believe if the coach's challenge has not been proven true (in this case, that the ball didnt cross the first down line) then the team challenging gets penalized the timeout.

 

[imported_Devine]

Normally they dont challenge if it's a first down or not, they challenge to spot of the ball. Although the mistake wasnt enough to change the first down they were still right so they shouldnt have been charged a TO. Now granted I didnt see the game so I cant really say for sure

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: Devine
Normally they dont challenge if it's a first down or not, they challenge to spot of the ball. Although the mistake wasnt enough to change the first down they were still right so they shouldnt have been charged a TO. Now granted I didnt see the game so I cant really say for sure

Yep. Ever play any football videogame? You don't challenge first down, you challenge the spot.

 

[Syringer]

No timeout is used if any sort of change is made to the spot of the ball.

 

[limoncake]

that game probably ruined any chances for the boys to get to the playoffs =(

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: Syringer
No timeout is used if any sort of change is made to the spot of the ball.

Logically this is my response as well.. the challenging coach was right, the ball was not spotted correctly. He should not be charged a time out.

 

[toekramp]

i agree... only thing that made me question it was it said 'Call Stands'... usually it'll say Call Reversed if they get to keep their timeout.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Originally posted by: toekramp
i agree... only thing that made me question it was it said 'Call Stands'... usually it'll say Call Reversed if they get to keep their timeout.

it may have been referring to the first down, but if the ball was moved, obviously the challenge was successful.

 

[ElFenix]

if the spot is challenged and ends up changing but doesn't result in a first down a timeout is lost. otherwise, coaches would be challenging every bad spot just to get free time outs.

 

[Balr0g]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
if the spot is challenged and ends up changing but doesn't result in a first down a timeout is lost. otherwise, coaches would be challenging every bad spot just to get free time outs.

Or if a first down is challenged by the side on defense, and it ends up really not being a first down, but a 3rd and inches or 4th and inches or something like that.