removal of a players helmet

Question
Only a couple of seconds are left in the game. Team A is attempting to kick a field goal to win the game. Team B blocks the field goal attempt. Time expires as the kick is in the air and the ball is recovered by Team B. The player on Team B that blocked the kick removes his helmet as he runs off the field. Team A now claims they get to attempt another kick because the player removed his helmet. Remember time has expired and Team B recovered the ball. Does Team A get to kick again or is the game over, or is it Team B's ball with a penalty tacked on and one more play to go because you can't end on a penalty? In this game the refs determined the game was over after the missed field goal.

Answer
Nancy
Thank you for your question. This is a good question because to be officiated properly common sense must prevail. The common sense and proper way to handle the play is to not call a foul and deem the game over once the ball became dead.

You indicated there are a couples seconds on the clock and time expires. The common sense approach is not to call a foul in this instance.  It would be an unsportsmanlike foul that is a live ball treated as a deadball foul.  

There is no time on the clock, Team A had an unsuccessful Field Goal attempt and the ball is dead.  Team B player who removes his helmet is running off the field it should be treated as a dead ball foul if at all.

Thus the officials correctly ruled on this play.

Victor Winnek