A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception. Passing All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage. Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception.
Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. Touchdown or safety is scored. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.