ANEFO

Fumbles and Related Matters
A few thoughts:

A fumble, before change of team possession, may not be advanced by the fumbling team - except the fumbler - on 4th down or on a try

If in advance of the spot of the fumble, the ball is returned to the spot of the fumble
If behind the spot of the fumble, the ball remains there

A fumble may be caught or recovered by the opponent of the fumbling team. Unless grounded the ball is in play and may be advanced
Fumbles that go out of bounds can cause confusion:
- When out of bounds in advance of the spot in the field of play, the ball is returned to the spot of the fumble. Stop the clock, but start it when the ball is declared ready for play
- When out of bounds behind the spot of the fumble in the field of play, the ball is at the out of bounds spot. Stop the clock, but start the clock on the snap
- A fumble that is out of bounds behind the goal line is a touchback (in opponent's endzone) or a safety (in your endzone)
Fumbles recovered in the endzone could be a touchback, safety , or touchdown. This depends into which endzone it is fumbled, and who recovers

Mechanics:

Unusual, but something to think about - all the above is off once a change of team possession occurs.