Intentional Grounding by the QB

Question
What is the ruling on intentional grounding by the QB in a High School Game?  Do the terms "outside the tackles" or "outside the pocket" come into play?  Or is it just a judgement call from an official if a receiver is in the vicinity?  And what does the vicinity mean?  2 yards, 5 yards, 10 yards, etc.  At the NFL level, "throwing the ball away to avoid a sack" is okay, why isn't it okay in High School when it seems we should be trying to protect these younger players?

Answer
Kathy,
You are not going to like the answer because you make an excellent point with respect to player safety and I agree with you from that perspective.

The National Federation rules are not like the NCAA or NFL rules with respect intentional grounding.  The rules for High school will only allow a passer to intentionally ground the ball to conserve time id the ball is grounded immediately after the snap.

The reason why this is not permitted is that the rule for high school consider intentional grounding to be an illegal pass that creates an unfair advantage for the offense and places the defense at a disadvantage.  That is the rationale.

Also, At the NFL level QB's are Sports company's (Team) capital/asset.  Since there is a great dollar amount attached to that asset (player) the rules are designed to protect the asset.  Hence, one of the difference in the rules between professional sports and armature sports rules.  Also the High School/National Federation Rules treat all players equal (exception is special class of defenseless players: Kickers, Holders, Snappers, passers when in vulnerable positions).

Hope this answers your question.  Sorry for the delay in my reply.  I am an on field college official and travel weekends for games as my profile indicates.  If you need any more information please feel free to ask.  But again you are correct and make a very good argument that it should be permitted for player safety.

Thank you for your Question,

Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official