Be the Referee: Intentional Grounding

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 9, 2021

This week, MHSAA assistant director Brent Rice explains football intentional grounding at the high school level. 

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Intentional Grounding – Listen 

A quarterback is under heavy pressure and immediately throws the ball away. International grounding, right? Maybe. And maybe not.

What goes into an official deciding if grounding has occurred?

First, there is no such thing as a “tackle box” in high school football as it pertains to grounding. A quarterback scrambling outside of the tackle box who throws the ball away could still be penalized for grounding – even if it reaches the line of scrimmage.

Any pass can be penalized for grounding if there is no receiver in the immediate area. Behind the line, inside the tackle box – none of that matters – it only matters if there’s a potential receiver nearby. If there is – no grounding. If there’s not – there will be a flag on the field.

Previous editions

Sept. 2: Pass Interference – Listen 
Aug. 26: Protocols and Mechanics  Listen

 

Unforgettable 5ive: 2022 Football Playoffs Week 2

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

November 8, 2022

Five unforgettable plays from the second week of the 2022 MHSAA Football Playoffs:

► Bryce Kurncz scores the game-winner in triple overtime for DeWitt. 

► Cole Cabana leads Dexter to a 24-7 win with a 31-yard touchdown run. 

► Mitchell Smith boots Flat Rock to a District title with a game-winning 23-yard field goal. 

► Caledonia's Mason McKenzie converts the 2-pointer leading the Fighting Scots to a 14-13 double overtime win. 

► Clarkston beats Davison 49-40 as Ethan Clark scores six touchdowns.