What action is NOT part of the criteria for loose ball plays?

The criteria for loose ball plays involve situations where the ball is not in player possession and is subject to recovery by any player. Among the options provided, the action that does not fit within this loose ball criteria is a fumble in the end zone.

A fumble typically occurs when a player loses control of the ball while in possession, and it is considered a loose ball play once the ball is released. However, when the fumble occurs in the end zone, specific rules apply. A fumble that goes out of the end zone results in a turnover, as it is ruled a touchback, and does not follow the typical loose ball recovery situation that applies elsewhere on the field.

In contrast, an illegal forward pass, a legal forward pass, and a backwards pass all pertain to different types of plays involving the football that can be considered under loose ball circumstances. This is because these situations involve the ball being live, potentially recoverable, or continuing the play until it is ruled dead. Thus, recognizing the unique treatment of a fumble in the end zone clarifies why it does not belong among the actions that are part of loose ball plays.