How do I rule on fumbles, bad snaps and dropped laterals?

Question

Accepted Answer

A fumble is loss of possession where the ball contacts the ground. The play is dead when the ball hits the ground; spot it there. If a snap, backward pitch or lateral hits the ground, the ball is dead and placed where it hit the ground. Backward pitches and passes in the air behind the line of scrimmage can be intercepted and advanced by the defense. Handoffs, pitches and laterals are legal only behind the line of scrimmage. If one happens after the ball carrier has crossed the line, blow the play dead and spot the ball where possession was lost. If the QB throws a pass and catches it themselves, the play is dead and treated as an incomplete pass. Simultaneous possession by an offensive and defensive player goes to the offense. A fumble in the offense's own end zone is a safety.