b. When any part of the ball carrier’s body, except his hand or foot, touches
the ground or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses
possession of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his
Rule 4 / Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out of Bounds FR-59
body, except his hand or foot [Exception: The ball remains alive when an
offensive player has simulated a kick or at the snap is in position to kick the
ball held for a place kick by a teammate. The ball may be kicked, passed or
advanced by rule] (A.R. 4-1-3-I).