CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
Statements are either true, yes, correct or false, no, incorrect
If the answer to the question is “Yes”, “True” or “Correct”, put an X in
the circle enclosing the C (for correct). If the answer to the question is
“No”, “False” or “Incorrect”, put an X in the circle enclosing the I (for
incorrect).
Only the answer sheet of the examination will be sent to the grader.
You retain the questions for further study. Please 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.
The CFOA acknowledges the contributions of questions from the Eastern Ontario Tackle FOA,
Kingston FOA, New Brunswick FOA, Manitoba FOA, Calgary FOA and Toronto FOA.
Special thanks to Jean-François Lefebvre, Football Canada for French translation.
This exam was vetted by committee consisting of Rob Isbister (RFOA) Mike Ciona (SFOA),
Shane Carter (SFOA), Allison Gates (NBFOA),Walter Berry ( Rulebook editor), Don Wilcox
(proofing and editing)Chris Venter WW FOA (proofing and editing)and Ron Hallock (CFOA)
coordination.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Team A breaks the huddle with 12 seconds remaining on the 20-second play clock. The
quarterback realizes the required audible will not be heard by the team due to crowd noise.
Team A requests the Referee to stop the game due to the noise. The Referee allows the game to
continue and Team A is penalized for time count when the play clock runs out. The Referee is
correct
Quarterback A12 throws a forward pass. A87 tips the ball back toward the line of scrimmage
where it hits the Umpire as he turns. The ball is then caught by A32 who runs into the B end
zone. Ruling: Team A has scored a touchdown.
Running back A22 is running up the sideline when the ball is stripped and fumbled. A88 is
trailing the play sees the fumble. A88 inadvertently runs out of bounds, then gets back in
bounds and recovers the ball. Ruling: Team B is awarded the ball at point of recovery.
The game is tied with 3 seconds remaining. Team A punts the ball from the B 30-yard line as
time runs out in the 4th quarter. The kick is received by Team B in its own end zone. After
Team B makes a return kick that hits the goal post assembly in flight, an inadvertent whistle is
blown. Ruling: Since the ball did not leave the end zone, Team A is awarded a rouge and wins
the game
Certifying that players are wearing the mandatory equipment prior to the start of the game is
primarily the responsibility of the Officiating crew.
Following a 1D play A58 indicates to the Referee that his chin strap has broken. The referee
stops play to allow the player to leave the field and a substitute to enter. Following the
subsequent 2D play, A58 returns to the field. At the snap of the ball during 3D Team A is
penalized as A58 was not off the field for three plays. The Officials are correct.
Team A calls a time out with 3:10 left in the 4th quarter. Team A has 2D at its own 15-yard line.
On the subsequent play, A22 runs for 60 yards and is forced out of bounds at the B 35-yard line.
The clock is stopped with 2:55 remaining. On the next play the clock will start on the snap.
It is a league championship and as such two timers are assigned to the game. Each timer uses a
separate device so there will be a backup if one device fails. During the game a discrepancy
occurs between the two timers. The timers discuss the situation and decide that one is correct,
so the other timer changes the time on their device to correspond with the time of the other
official. This is a good example of the timekeepers carrying out their responsibilities.
During a Team A running play, lead blocker A67 grabs the facemask of B22 and throws him to
the ground. The trailing sideline Official throws a flag. Concerned that B22 is not moving on
the field the Official immediately finds the Referee to report the infraction while the play is still
alive. Given that safety of the player is paramount, the trailing Official followed the proper
procedure.
Team A is going to attempt a 2-point convert from the 5-yard line. The Team A wide receiver
on the right side leaves early and is almost beyond the neutral zone. The Line Judge (on the
same side of the field) throws his flag for offside. The quarterback receives the snap and throws
a screen pass to the left, where Team B is called for pass interference. Ruling: The next play
will take place at the 2½-yard line.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
11
Team A is 3D from its 11-yard line and punts. The punted ball is blocked on the field of play by
B17 and bounces into the end zone where B58 bats the ball out of bounds in the end zone.
Ruling: The next play is Team B 1D from the A 10-yard line.
12
Team A is 3D and 7 at the B 15-yard line. Team A attempts a field goal. The centre, after
snapping the ball, stands and backs up half a step to assist with blocking. The kick hits the
centre’s helmet and continues over the crossbar between the goal posts. The deep official
indicates a good field goal and blows his whistle. However, the Umpire throws a flag for No
Yards as the ball made contact with the kicking team. Ruling: The field goal is good.
During the first play of the first series of overtime, Quarterback A11 throws a quick screen pass
which is intercepted by B23, who returns it for a touchdown. However, there is a holding
infraction with the ball at the A 8-yard line. The penalty is accepted. Ruling: The next play will
be Team B 1D from the appropriate 35-yard line.
On a successful convert attempt, Team B is called for offside at the snap. The Referee
announces that the penalty is declined and the convert is good. The Referee is correct.
Team A fumbles the ball three yards from the sideline at the B 38-yard line. B25 is standing at
the B 37-yard line, unaware that the ball has been fumbled. The ball hits B25 and rolls out of
bounds at the B 35-yard line. Ruling: The ball belongs to Team B at the B 35-yard line.
Team A is using wide receivers to shuttle in play calls. A82 runs in with the play and
communicates it to the quarterback. A82 then realizes there are 13 players in the huddle. A82
turns to run off the field and is about one yard from the sideline when the ball is snapped.
Ruling: Since A82 did not participate in the play and was obviously leaving the field, there is no
infraction.
Team A wants to pin Team B deep in its end, so it punts the ball from the B 37-yard line. B11
receives the punt in the end zone, but fumbles it forward over the goal line. A77 tries to pick it
up at the B 6-yard line, but knocks it back into the B end zone. B15 recovers the ball and is
tackled in his own end zone. The play is ruled as a rouge (single point) to Team A.
Team A 1D and 10 from its 5-yard line. Quarterback A12 pitches the ball back to A33 at the A
3-yard line. A33 drops the ball, where it is dribbled by B55 across the Team A goal line and out
of bounds in the end zone. Ruling: Team B is awarded a single point.
On a punt play the Referee should be positioned on the wide side of the kicker in order to line up
the kicker and ball if it is punted directly out of bounds -- unless there are onside players close to
the sideline on the wide side of the field.
With 14 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter and trailing by 3 points, Team A breaks the huddle.
It is 3D and 12 from the B 39-yard line. Quarterback A18 throws a screen pass to A44, who is
at the B 21-yard line when he sees a defender with a good angle to make the tackle. A44 drop
kicks the ball between the goal posts with no time remaining on the clock. Ruling: The next
play will occur in the overtime period.
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Team A 2D at the B 1-yard line. Quarterback A7 hands to the ball to A43 who hits players at
the line of scrimmage within the close line play area and falls on several players at the ½-yard
line. He rolls off the players into the end zone without touching the ground. A43 is ruled down
at the half-yard line and the next play will be 3D at the B 1-yard line.
Team A 1D and 10 from its 33-yard line. The Referee notices guard A67 has on a big grill type
of facemask (sometimes referred to as a bird cage). The Referee blows his whistle and throws a
flag for illegal equipment. Guard A67 shows the Official where it indicates the facemask is
approved by the National Operating Committee on Safety in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
The Referee indicates the facemask is not safe, penalizes Team A 5 yards and removes the
player until the illegal equipment is replaced
On 1D pass receiver A89 runs into the B end zone and cuts back toward the line of scrimmage.
A89 catches, and is in complete control of the ball in air, while still in the end zone. Due to
momentum, A89 lands with both feet on the ½-yard line where the tackle occurs. The Official
indicates second down from the 1-yard line. The Official is correct.
On 2D, the Team A Quarterback is sacked at the A 15-yard line, midway between the left hash
mark and the centre of the field. In order to help reduce the effect of windy conditions, the
kicker asks that the ball be placed at the right hash mark for 3D. The Referee agrees.
On a 3D punt, A67 holds B25 prior to ball being kicked. Team B receives the kick, with the ball
carrier being tackled after gaining 6 yards. Team B has the option of applying the penalty at PLS
or PP.
A42 catches a forward pass just short of the goal line and is immediately engaged by B23.
Teammate A18 reaches from the end zone and assists A42 by pulling B23 from behind,
resulting in a TD. This is a tandem buck.
With 0:35 remaining in the 4th quarter, Team A is called for a Time Count violation on 3D.
Team B has the option of moving Team A back 10 yards with 3D repeated, or repeating 3D at
PLS.
Team A breaks its huddle and lines up as follows, with fullback A24 having declared himself as
ineligible to the Referee.
82
29
30
63 51 70 67 24 56
14
19
At the snap of the ball A56 blocks the B player immediately across from him below the knee.
This is a legal block.
Team A punts on 3D. The punt is blocked by B. The punter recovers the loose ball and pitches it
forward to A33 who runs for a first down. This is a legal play.
On any play from scrimmage, blocking above the knee is legal unless there has been a change in
possession.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
31
Team A attempts a short kickoff which travels 9 yards, where it is touched by A22 and then by
B97 before going out of bounds at the original kickoff line. Neither team gains possession.
Team B has the option of taking possession of the ball at the point where A22 first touched it.
32
On 3rd down from the A 37-yard line, Team A punts. The ball is deflected by a B player, strikes
the ground at the A 34-yard line and bounces to the A 47-yard line, where B81 falls on it. Player
A66, who is 3 yards away when the ball is recovered, tackles B81. This is a No Yards penalty
33
Team A attempts a short kick-off. Before the ball is touched, A34 blocks B21 who is waiting to
catch the ball as it descends. This is illegal interference by A34. Team B has the option of taking
the ball at PF or having Team A repeat the kick-off after a 10-yard penalty is applied.
34
With 4:21 remaining in the 4th quarter, Team A scrimmages 1D and 10 from the B 38-yard line.
The play is whistled-in by the referee and as Team A breaks its huddle, the Head Linesman kills
the play and reports a problem with the chains. The problem is quickly corrected. The Referee
should request the game clock be reset to 4:21 and begin a new 20-second count.
35
Team A attempts a field goal from the B 37-yard line. The kick goes wide and Team A scores 1
point. Team B requests the ball be placed on the right hash mark. The Umpire complies with the
request. The Umpire is correct.
36
Team A punts. The ball bounces at the B 12-yard line and rolls into the B end zone. B17
recovers the ball in the end zone and advances it to the B 8-yard line. Team A was called for no
yards in the end zone. Team B may apply the 5-yard penalty from the B 20-yard line.
37
On 1D, Team A breaks its huddle. The line players set up along the LoS in 2-point stances, with
centre A56 standing over the ball. As the QB begins the cadence, the five interior linemen take a
step to the left, putting A61 over the ball. They then drop into 3-point stances and after a full
second, A61 snaps the ball. This is a legal play.
38
Player B39 receives a punt in the B end zone. Realizing he is about to be tackled, B39 attempts
to punt the ball out of the end zone. A41 blocks the kick, with the ball rolling loose in the end
zone. While attempting to recover the ball, A41 knocks it over the sideline-in-goal. Team A has
the option of scoring a rouge or taking the ball 1D and 10 at the B 10-yard line.
During the second half of a rainy game Team A punts the ball, which travels a short distance
downfield and comes to rest in a puddle. Before returner B30 can pick up the ball, the kicker
A87 comes running in, slips and collides with B30. Both players go down, leaving the ball
untouched. A87 jumps on the loose ball. This is ruled illegal interference by the kicker, so the
ball is awarded to Team B at PF.
Team A scrimmages 2D and 8 from the A 50-yard line. Just before the snap the wide receiver,
who injured his hand on 1D, decides to seek medical attention. However, rather than taking a
knee, he steps off the field at his bench. As a result, there is no eligible receiver on that side of
the line at the snap. Ruling: This is illegal procedure.
39
40
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
41
Team A kicks off. Before the ball can be recovered, it rolls out of bounds in the field of play.
Team A is called for an illegal kickoff. Team B’s options are to take the ball where it went outof-bounds, take the ball 20 yards in advance of where it was kicked, or have Team A repeat the
kickoff 5 yards back.
42
On any kick from scrimmage, if the ball crosses the LoS it is illegal to interfere with the kicker
behind the LoS until the receiving team has gained possession of the ball.
43
Team B receives a punt in its end zone and runs the ball out, with returner B11 being tackled at
the B 6-yard line. Team B, however, was called for holding in the end zone prior to the ball
leaving the end zone. Team A has the option of accepting a 1-point score, or allowing Team B to
scrimmage from the B 20-yard line.
44
On 3D from the A 52-yard line, Team A attempts to punt. Due to pressure from Team B, the
punter makes poor contact with the ball. The ball falls 2 yards short of the LoS, hits A72 at that
point and is ultimately recovered by Team B at the A 45-yard line. This is considered a dribbled
ball.
Team A receiver secures a pass near the sideline while he is airborne. A Team B defender
pushes the receiver so he lands out of bounds and when he lands, the ball is jarred loose. Is the
Official correct in ruling the pass complete?
45
46
47
Team 2D and 10. The quarterback at the A 40-yard line throws a pass that skips off the ground
at the A 38-yard line. A35 catches the skipped ball, then throws a forward pass to A 80 at the A
53-yard line. Are the Officials correct in ruling the first pass incomplete?
Team A attempts a centre screen from the A 30-yard line. The ball deflects off intended receiver
A42 at the A 27-yard line. The deflection is then caught by A80 at the A 33-yard line. Are the
Officials correct in penalizing linemen A66 and A56 for blocking downfield on a forward pass.
48
Team A's QB under pressure runs toward the sideline. Just prior to stepping out of bounds, he
underhand tosses the ball forward so the ball crosses the line of scrimmage and goes out of
bounds. The nearest eligible receiver was 7 yards downfield. Is the Referee correct in calling
Intentional Grounding?
49
While running beside receiver A80, defender B10 looks back to find the ball. As he does this the
players' feet become tangled and A80 falls. Are the Officials correct in calling B10 for Pass
Interference, since only the Team A player fell?
50
Team A 2D and 8 on the Team A 15-yard line. QB A7 drops back and throws a forward pass
toward A25 who is standing at the A-12yard line. While the ball is in flight toward them, B50
hits A25, who has not completed turning to attempt to catch the pass. Are the Officials correct in
calling Pass Interference against B50?
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
51
Team 2D and 15. Receiver A80 runs directly at stationary B22, who extends his arms straight in
front of himself for protection. A80 runs into his outstretched arms, then stumbles as he cuts.
This is Illegal Contact by B22.
52
Team A 2D and 8 on the Team A 30-yard line, QB A10 throws a forward pass that deflects off
of LB B55 as he attempts to intercept on the A 37-yard line. The ball is caught by A68 on the A
32-yard line. He then runs the ball to the A 42-yard line. Is the next point of scrimmage Team A
1D on the A 42-yard line?
53
Team A 1D and 10 on the A 15-yard line, QB A2 rolls right, then hands off the ball to Tackle
A60 at the A 13-yard line. A60 then runs the ball to the A 30-yard line. Are the Officials correct
in ruling an illegal hand off to A60, because he had occupied the position of a lineman?
54
Team 2D on the Team B 5-yard line. QB A7 throws a screen pass to A20 who advances the ball
to the B 3-yard line, then fumbles the ball into the end zone. B30 then picks up the ball and is
tackled in the end zone by a horse collar tackle. Is the next point of scrimmage Team B 1D and
10 on the B 35-yard line and no score?
55
On the opening kickoff by A2, B27 charges across the neutral zone, hitting A2. The Official
calls B27 for Rough Play. Ruling: B27 is ejected from the game and a 25-yard penalty applied at
the appropriate spot.
56
Team A 1D and 10 at the A 25-yard line. RB A11 carries the ball to the A 30-yard line, where
he is tripped down by B61. As this is an unsportsmanlike act, are the Officials correct in
applying the penalty as an Objectionable Conduct penalty, giving Team A 1D and 10 at the A
40-yard line?
57
On a Team A 3D punt, player B12 is running near the sideline following the ball carrier when he
is forcibly hit by A1. A1 comes from the centre of the field, out of the sight line of B12, and at
the last second steps in front of B12 and makes the contact using his shoulder. This is a legal hit.
58
Team A is attempting a Field Goal from the B 27-yard line. B30, in an attempt to block the kick,
hurdles the Team A Tackle. Is this a foul?
59
In attempting to tackle ball carrier A22, B17 grasps the front of A22's jersey at the collar. This
action causes A22 to spin around so B17 can complete the tackle. Is the covering Official
correct in calling B17 for a Horse Collar Tackle?
60
A87 jumps into the air to catch a pass, B18 wraps his arms around A87 and as they are falling to
the ground, B45 comes in to join the tackle. Due completely to poor timing B45's shoulder
drives into the helmet of A87. Is this an Unnecessary Roughness penalty on a defenseless
player?
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
61
Team A 1D and 10 on the A 20-yard line. Wide Receiver A92 lines up 10 yards outside the
Tackle, moves toward the centre of the field on the snap and blocks B22 below the waist but
above the knees at the A 28-yard line. Should A92 be called for a Crack Back Block?
62
Centre A50 snaps the ball and takes one step back, sets and extends his arms in preparation to
block. Nose Guard B66 moves forward to engage A50, but just prior to contact between A50
and B66, A72 blocks B66 below the knees. This is UR - Delayed Knee Block.
63
Defensive lineman B66 spins as he attacks the offensive line in the Close Line Play Area. When
B66's back is to A50, A50 drives into the back of B66 sending him to the ground. Should A50
be called for Blocking from the Rear?
64
Team 3D and 8 run the ball for a 5-yard gain. After the whistle has sounded to end the play, B30
dives onto the pile. B30 is called for Piling On. Are the Officials correct in applying the 15-yard
penalty and awarding Team A first down for the Unnecessary Roughness penalty?
65
Team A RB A9 takes exception to the way he was tackled by B15. When A9 gets up, using
profanity, he berates the Official and attempts to punch B15. Are the Officials correct in
assessing two 2 Objectionable Conduct fouls for A9’s behavior?
66
1D and 10 at A 45-yard line. As ball is snapped Team A is called for having 13 players on the
field. As play develops, A66 is called for a delayed knee block. The play goes for no gain. The
Referee can offer Team B the option of accepting both fouls 1D and 35 yards to go, or declining
the too many players foul and accepting the UR – leaving Team A 2D and 25 yards to go.
67
Punter A22 takes the snap, rolls to the right and kicks the ball 20 yards over the LoS. As he
proceeds quickly downfield in attempt to recover the ball, he passes players A88 and A89 in the
vicinity of where the ball landed. This makes A88 and A89 onside players.
68
2D and 18 from A 54-yard line. A9 tries a scrimmage kick, but before crossing the LoS it hits
B68. The ball deflects toward the sideline, and is touched by A89 at the A 48-yard line before
going out of bounds at that point. Ruling: The officials award B the ball because yards were not
gained
.
Team A is called for offensive pass interference, but loses 8 yards on the play. The officials
explain the options to the Team B captain, who immediately declines the penalty. After the
officials re-spot the ball for 2D, the Team B captain changes his mind and wants to accept the
penalty. The officials refuse to honour the request.
69
70
The Continuity of Downs is interrupted when a ball dribbled by Team A crosses the Line of
Scrimmage.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
71
B45 is flagged for defensive Holding before Team A scores a touchdown. Team A can accept
the play and apply the penalty on the Convert, or on the Kick Off following the convert attempt.
72
A12 lines up Offside; B33 intercepts a pass at the B 30-yard line and is tackled immediately at
that spot. A12 is then flagged for Objectionable Conduct. Team B can decline the first penalty
against A12 and accept the OC, resulting in 1D for Team B at the B 40-yard line.
73
Team A 3D and 25 yards to go, punts the ball from the A 30-yard line. Legally onside A19 is the
first to the ball and recovers the punt on the A50, where it goes dead. Referee rules 1D Team A
from the A 50-yard line.
74
A83 and B38 make hard contact while diving to recover a loose ball, which is eventually
recovered by Team B. This is Illegal Interference by B38, so the ball is returned to Team A
with a 1D at PF.
75
A holding penalty against Team A before yards are gained always has two options: 1) Decline
the penalty and let the play stand; or 2) Apply 10 yards from PLS and repeat down.
76
Team A attempts a field goal on 3D and 10 at the B 20-yard line. B98 goes offside at the snap
and the field goal is wide. It is caught by B89 in the end zone, who is face masked by A13 in the
end zone. B89 is tackled on the B 2-yard line. Referee provides penalty options in the order in
which they happened: Offside first, UR Face Mask second.
77
1D at the B 3-yard line. Runner A1 reaches the 2-yard line when blocker A2 commits UR face
mask. A1 scores a TD. Team B may choose to cancel the score and have Team A 1D at B 18yard line or allow the score and apply 15 yards on the following convert or kickoff.
78
3D on B 4-yard line. A6 commits Objectionable Conduct. Team B requests the yardage be
declined. The officials don’t allow this as an OC penalty cannot be declined. The officials are
correct.
79
2D and 8 from B 14-yard line. Team B commits illegal contact. If accepted, the penalty gives
Team A 2D and 1 from B 7-yard line.
80
1D and 10 from A 20-yard line. A1 completes a pass to A2 in the open field. A64 commits UR
against B99 on the B 20-yard line while A2 is in possession on the B 15-yard line. A2 scores a
touchdown. B99 retaliates and commits Rough Play after the score. Both penalties are accepted.
Team A, 1D on B 5-yard line and B99 is disqualified.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
81
2D-and-goal from the B8. A1 goes offside, then during the play B1 is called for UR. A2 runs
and is tackled at the B 4-yard line. Both penalties are accepted. Team A 1D from the B 4-yard
line.
82
1D and 15 at the B 24-yard line. Team B is called for Pass Interference in the end zone, and the
pass falls incomplete. The penalty is accepted, so the Officials award Team A 1D at the B 12yard line.
83
A Team B penalty which occurs on the field of play, while the ball is in Team B possession in
its own end zone, is applied as if the ball were also in the field of play.
84
Team A punts the ball into the Team B end zone. B25 catches it and, while still in the end zone,
pitches the ball forward to B17 at the B 2-yard line. A flag is thrown for offside pass. B17 is
then tackled at the B 22-yard line. The Referee offers Team A the option of placing the ball at
the B 20-yard line, or leaving it at the B 22-yard line. The Referee is correct.
85
Team A scrimmages 2D and 10 from its own 2-yard line. As the ball is handed off in the end
zone, lineman A66, who has been pushed back into the end zone, is called for holding. The ball
goes dead at the A 2-yard line. The Referee offers Team B the option of a Safety Touch score if
it accepts the penalty. The Referee is correct.
86
1D-and-goal at the B 8-yard line. Team B is called for Pass Interference in the end zone. After
the ball is dead, Team A is called for UR. Both penalties are accepted. Ruling: The ball is placed
at the B 16-yard line, 1D and 10 for Team A.
87
In overtime periods both teams will always have the opportunity to scrimmage the ball.
88
When the whistle is blown inadvertently on any scrimmage or return kick play with the ball
not in possession of either team, does the receiving team have an option to take possession of the
ball at the point it strikes the ground, a player, or goes out of bounds in flight?
89
Last year the team bought new uniforms, but the numbers blended in with the rest of the jerseys
and were hard for the Officials to see. Without exception, the team must get new uniforms with
clearly readable numbers this year.
90
If, Team A has taken two consecutive time count penalties, the Referee will order Team A to put
the ball into play legally within 20 seconds or forfeit possession to Team B.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
91
When dual fouls occur and both penalties are accepted, there are up to four points at which the
penalties might be adjusted.
92
In balancing dual penalties, where one of the penalties is normally unrestricted (Pass
Interference, Unnecessary Roughing or Rough Play), the balanced application will be restricted.
93
AFD means Automatic First Down.
94
The defensive end jumps into the neutral zone. He is almost breaking the plane of the ball when
the offensive tackle directly in front of him lifts up to protect himself. Team B will be penalized
for offside.
95
Team A dribbles a ball across the LoS where it is touched by Team B and then recovered by an
offside A player in the Team B end zone. This results in a touchdown for Team A.
96
3D punt play. Team A only has 11 players on the field as it breaks the huddle. After the LJ puts
the gates up, A80 enters the field from the bench and assumes a position between the sideline
and the nearest hash marks. This is legal since Team A did not have enough players on the field.
97
B22 lines up at the B 10-yard line to receive a punt. The ball goes over B22's head and bounces
into the B end zone. B22 picks up the ball and runs to the 2-yard line, then turns back into the
end zone to avoid a tackle. B22 is eventually tackled at the B 12-yard line. B 1st down at B 20.
98
Team A scrimmages with 3:12 remaining in the second quarter. Ball carrier A32 goes out of
bounds with 2:55 on the clock. On the next play, the game clock starts on the snap.
99
Team A uses two substitutes per play to shuttle in plays from the bench. The Referee does not
stop the clock to allow for substitutions. Is the Referee correct?
100
The Officials arrive at a neutral field and note there is no padding on the goal posts. The home
team is assessed a 10-yard penalty.
2017
CFOA Rules Exam
CANADIAN FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
(Established 1969)
2017 CFOA EXAMINATION
2017
CFOA Rules Exam