Retaining the Ball (Onside Alternative)

A losing team may request to "Retain the Ball" after scoring or to start the second half. It is not available after a safety.

Procedure: This is one untimed play from the requesting team's 20-yard line.

Success: The team must reach their 40-yard line in (1) play. If successful, the play is dead at the 40, and the team begins a new series (1st and 20).

Failure: If the 40 is not reached, the defense takes possession at the dead-ball spot.

Last Man: can be awarded for a first down, not a touch down. Reference Last Man Rule

On 4th down, the offense must declare a punt or their intent to "go for it." A declaration is binding unless a timeout is used by either team.

Referees march off a 25-yard change of possession. 

If punting from inside the opponent's 20-yard line, the march-off is half the distance to the goal.