ARTICLE 2. a. A forward pass is determined by the point where the ball
first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the spot
of the pass. All other passes are backward passes. When in question, it is
a forward pass rather than a backward pass when thrown in or behind the
neutral zone.
b. When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the
neutral zone, any intentional forward movement of his arm starts the
forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or ball after forward
movement begins and the ball leaves the passer’s hand, a forward pass
is ruled regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player (A.R.
2-19-2-I).