Zebra
Somewhere in, NJ
Male, 62
I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!
A defensive hold is only an automatic first down if it is against an eligible receiver. If it isn't that, then like any othert penalrty, the down is repeated after the 10 yard mark off.
The simple answer is no. Not by "rule". By rule you can't grasp, pull, or hook an opponent. But the reality is that players do grasp and it is "allowed" (and I use that term carefully) as long as the block (it is still blocking) is inside the frame of the opponent. If the "grasping" is in desperation because the defender got away and the blocker just grabs and pulls on the shirt and you see it stretch, you have holding. If the blocker grabs the defender's arms but doesn't take him down or turn him away from the play, it is likely going to be allowed.
It's illegal on two counts. One, it isn't a snap since a legal snap leaves the snapper's hands. It's a snap infraction Two, it is a "planned loose ball" play in the vicinity of the snapper. In other words a "fumblerooski". That's a 5 yard penalty plus loss of down.
I cannot comment on your mental state but I have never heard of that as a rule. It seems very odd. There are rules in high school and college that allow a referee to award a penalty - including a score - for situations not specifically covered by rule. For example, a runner is going down the opposition's sideline waaaaaay ahead of any defender when an opposing team staff member runs out and tackles him. Referee could award a score.
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In college the ball is placed where the player- usually the QB - begins his slide. That is where he gives himself up and where, technically, he stopped participating.
When you say "cover", if you mean can they defend them, yes. If you mean be in front of them at the LOS, yes. Any defender can "cover" a receiver.
The easy part is if it's a targeting (in college) the player is ejected. A roughing the QB is an automatic first down (NCAA). Same for targeting. If there was no score on the play, that would create 1 & goal at the 5 1/2 yard line.
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