RULE 6
Kicks
SECTION 1. Free Kicks
Restraining Lines
ARTICLE 1.
For any free kick formation, the kicking team's restraining line shall
be the yard line through the most forward point from which the ball
shall be kicked, and the receiving team's restraining line shall be the
yard line 10 yards beyond that point.
Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking team's restraining line on a
kickoff shall be
its 30-yard line,
and for a free kick after a safety, its 20-yard line.
Free Kick Formation
ARTICLE 2.
A ball from a free kick formation must be kicked legally and from some
point on Team A's restraining line and on or between the inbounds lines.
The referee will declare the ball ready for play when the umpire hands the
ball to the kicker.
After the ball is ready for play and for any reason it falls from the
tee, Team A shall not kick the ball and the official shall sound his
whistle immediately.
When the ball is kicked:
(A.R. 6-1-2:I-IV)
a.
Each Team A player, except the holder and kicker of a place kick, must be
behind the ball.
(A.R. 6-1-2:V and VI)
[S18].
b. All Team A players must be inbounds
[S19].
c.
At least four Team A players must be on each side of the kicker.
[S19]
d. After a safety, when a punt or drop kick is used, the ball may be kicked
from behind the kicking team's restraining line.
If a yardage penalty for a live-ball foul is enforced from the previous
spot,
administration is from the 20-yard line, unless the kicking teams
restraining
line has been relocated by a previous penalty
[S18 or appropriate signal].
e.
All players of Team A must have been between the nine-yard marks after
the ready for play signal
[S19].
f.
A Team A player who goes out of bounds during a free kick down may not
return inbounds during the down
(Exception:
This does not apply to a Team A player who is blocked out of bounds and
attempts to return inbounds immediately)
[S19].
g.
No Team A player may block an opponent until Team A is eligible to touch
a free-kicked ball
[S19].
- PENALTY -
-
Live-ball foul.
Five yards from the previous spot, or five yards
from the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B,
or from the spot where the ball is placed after a
touchback
[S18]
(A.R. 6-1-2:VII)
h. All Team B players must be inbounds
[S19].
i. All Team B players must be behind their restraining line
[S18].
- PENALTY -
-
Live-ball foul.
Five yards from the previous spot
[S18 or S19].
Approved Ruling
6-1-2
-
The ball is kicked while teed illegally, punted on a kickoff or kicked
from a spot between the inbounds line and the nearer sideline.
RULING:
Illegal kick.
Dead-ball foul.
Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot ( 2-15-1-a).
[Cited by 2-15-1-a, 6-1-2]
-
Kicker A11 places the ball on the tee in the centre of the field for a
free kick with four teammates to the left side of the ball and six
teammates to the right side of the ball.
The ball blows off the tee, and A55 -- who was lined up to the left of
the ball -- holds the ball on the tee for right-footed kicker A11.
No other Team A players move.
When the ball is kicked by A11, A55 is to the kicker's right.
RULING:
Foul by Team A for illegal formation at the kick.
Penalty -- Five yards from the previous spot or five yards from the spot
where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B.
[Cited by 6-1-2]
-
Free-kicker A11 places the ball on the tee just inside the inbounds line
on his right.
All of his teammates line up to his left.
At the ready for play, four Team A players who were on A11's left run to
their right when he kicks the ball.
RULING:
Legal formation.
[Cited by 6-1-2]
-
A11 places the ball on the tee for a free kick on the 30-yard line in
the centre of the field.
A12 lines up near the ball.
After the ready for play, A11 starts forward as if to kick the ball, and
A12 suddenly crosses in front of him and kicks the ball.
When the ball is kicked, A11 is directly behind the ball with three
teammates on one side of the ball.
A12 plants his nonkicking foot on the same side of the ball as his three
teammates.
RULING:
Foul by Team A for illegal formation.
Penalty -- five yards previous spot and rekick if Team B chooses; or
five yards from the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B.
[Cited by 6-1-2]
-
Team A is offside during its free kick and B27 recovers the kick with
his knee touching the ground.
RULING:
Foul by Team A for offside.
The ball is dead at the spot of the recovery.
Penalty -- Team B may choose five yards from the previous spot and
another free kick, or five yards from the
dead-ball spot with a first and 10.
B27's recovery started a running play that ended immediately.
This scenario also would have been valid if B27 had completed a fair catch.
[Cited by 10-2-2-e, 6-1-2-a]
-
Team A is offside during its free kick and B37 fumbles while returning
the kick.
The ball is recovered by B45, who has a knee touching the ground.
RULING:
Foul by Team A for offside.
The ball is dead at the spot of the recovery.
Penalty -- Team B may choose five yards from the previous spot and
another free kick, or five yards from the spot of B45's recovery with a
first and 10.
[Cited by 10-2-2-e, 6-1-2-a]
-
Team A is offside on its free kick and B17 catches the ball at the
15-yard line. B17 returns the ball to the 45-yard line where he fumbles
and A67 recovers at the 47-yard line. A67 then runs to the 35-yard line
where he fumbles, with B20 recovering at the 33-yard line where he is
downed.
RULING:
Team B's options are first and 10 at the 33-yard line,
or Team A kicking again after a five-yard penalty from the previous
spot.
B20's recovery started a run, after a change of team possession,
that is not covered by rule.
[Cited by 6-1-2 Penalty]
Free Kick Recovery
ARTICLE 3.
A Team A player may touch a free kicked ball:
a. After it touches a Team B player
(Exception:
6-1-4).
b.
After it breaks the plane of and remains beyond Team B's restraining
line.
(Exception:
Rule 6-1-4)
(A.R. 2-11-2:I)
c. After it touches any player, the ground, an official or anything beyond
Team B's restraining line.
Thereafter, all players of Team A become eligible to touch, recover or
catch the kick.
Illegal touching of a free kick is a violation that, when the ball
becomes dead, gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball
at the spot of the violation.
However, if there are offsetting fouls or a penalty incurred by either
team before the ball becomes dead is enforced, this privilege is
cancelled.
(A.R. 6-1-3:I)
Approved Ruling
6-1-3
-
A player of Team A illegally touches a free kick; then he or a teammate
illegally recovers the kick.
RULING:
Unless cancelled by an accepted penalty, Team B may elect to take the
ball at any spot of illegal touching by Team A.
[Cited by 6-1-3-c]
Forced Touching Disregarded
ARTICLE 4.
a.
A player blocked by an opponent into a free kick is not, while
inbounds, deemed to have touched the kick.
b.
An inbounds player touched by a ball batted by an opponent is not deemed
to have touched the ball.
Free Kick at Rest
ARTICLE 5.
If a free kick comes to rest inbounds and no player attempts to secure
it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team at the dead-ball
spot.
Free Kick Caught or Recovered
ARTICLE 6.
a. If a free kick is caught or recovered by a player of the receiving
team, the ball continues in play
(Exceptions:
Rules 4-1-3-g, 6-1-7, 6-5-1 and
6-5-2).
If caught or recovered by a player of the kicking team, the ball becomes
dead.
(A.R. 4-1-3:II)
(A.R. 6-1-6:I)
b. When opposing players, each eligible to touch the ball, simultaneously
recover a rolling kick or catch a free kick, the simultaneous possession
makes the ball dead.
A kick declared dead in joint possession is awarded to the receiving
team.
Approved Ruling
6-1-6
-
A player of Team A recovers a rolling free kick beyond Team B's
restraining line and makes a backward pass that goes out of bounds.
RULING:
The ball is dead and belongs to Team A where recovered
( 4-1-3-e).
[Cited by 6-1-6-a]
Touching Ground On or Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 7.
The ball becomes dead and belongs to the team defending its goal line
when a free kick is untouched by Team B before touching the ground on or
behind Team B's goal line.
SECTION 2. Free Kick Out of Bounds
Kicking Team
ARTICLE 1.
A free kick out of bounds between the goal lines untouched by an inbounds
player of Team B is a foul.
(A.R. 6-2-1:I-IV)
- PENALTY -
-
Live-ball foul.
Five yards from the previous spot; or five yards from the spot where the
subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B; or the receiving team may put the
ball in play 35 yards beyond Team A's restraining line at the inbounds
spot
[S19].
Approved Ruling
6-2-1
-
A kickoff from Team A's 30-yard line goes out of bounds untouched by
Team B, and no other foul (or violation) occurs.
RULING:
Team B may accept a five-yard penalty from the previous spot with Team A
kicking from the 25-yard line, or Team B may put the ball in play at
Team B's 35-yard line at the inbounds spot or at the inbounds spot where
the ball went out of bounds.
Team B may put the ball in play following a penalty at the dead ball spot.
[Cited by 6-2-1]
-
A kickoff from Team A's 30-yard line goes out of bounds untouched by
Team B, and Team A has illegally touched the kick.
RULING:
Team B has three options:
It may snap at the spot of violation, accept a five-yard penalty
from the previous spot with Team A kicking from the 25-yard line, or put
the ball in play at
the inbounds spot five yards from where the ball went out of bounds
(A.R. 7-1-3-b Penalty)
[Cited by 6-2-1]
-
A kickoff goes out of bounds after it has been touched by Team B, and
no fouls occur.
RULING:
Team B snaps at inbounds spot.
[Cited by 6-2-1]
-
Team A is offside or commits a substitution infraction, and the kickoff
from the 30-yard line goes out of bounds after it has been touched by
Team B.
RULING:
For either the offside foul or the substitution foul, Team B may elect to
have the kick repeated at Team A's 25-yard line, or snap the ball at the
inbounds spot five yards from where the ball went out of bounds
(A.R. 7-1-3-b Penalty)
[Cited by 6-2-1]
-
Team A's untouched free kick goes out of bounds at the Team B 34-yard
line.
RULING:
Team B may choose to have the ball free kicked after a five-yard penalty
from the previous spot, or put the ball in play at the Team B 39-yard
line.
Receiving Team
ARTICLE 2.
When a free kick goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball
belongs to the receiving team at the inbounds spot.
When a free kick goes out of bounds behind the goal line, the ball
belongs to the team defending that goal line.
(A.R. 6-2-2:I-IV)
Approved Ruling
6-2-2
-
A free kick from Team A's 30-yard line, untouched by Team B, goes out of
bounds between the goal lines, and Team A was offside.
RULING:
Team B has these options:
It may accept a five-yard penalty at the previous spot with Team A
re-kicking from the 25-yard line; snap the ball at its 35-yard line at the
inbounds spot; or snap the ball at the inbounds spot five yards from where
the ball went out of bounds
(A.R. 7-1-3-b Penalty)
[Cited by 6-2-2]
-
A free kick from Team A's 30-yard line, untouched by Team B, goes out
of bounds between the goal lines, and Team A fouled after the ball went
out of bounds.
RULING:
Team B has the choice of Team A kicking again after a five-yard and
12½-yard penalty, or putting the ball in play at the 50-yard line at
the inbounds spot or 20 yards beyond the inbounds spot where the ball
went out of bounds.
[Cited by 6-2-2]
-
A free kick in flight strikes a Team B player who is in his end zone
and the ball then goes out of bounds at the three-yard line.
RULING:
Team B's ball, first and 10, on the three-yard line at the inbounds spot.
[Cited by 6-2-2]
-
Airborne B17 has leaped from inbounds and is the first player to touch
Team A's free kick when he receives the ball. He subsequently lands
out of bounds with the ball in his possession.
RULING:
Foul, free kick out of bounds.
Team B has these options:
it may accept a five-yard penalty at the previous spot with Team A
re-kicking; snap the ball at its 35-yard line at the inbounds spot
(assuming the free kick was from the 30-yard line); or snap the ball at
the inbounds spot five yards from where the ball crossed the sideline.
[Cited by 6-2-2]
-
Team A is in free kick formation behind its 30-yard line.
As A3 kicks the ball from the 30-yard line, A26 is airborne at the Team A
32-yard line.
RULING:
Team A is offside.
Five-yard penalty previous spot or five yards from the spot where the
subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (Rules 2-11-2 and
6-1-2-a).
SECTION 3. Scrimmage Kicks
Behind the Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 1.
a.
A scrimmage kick that fails to cross the neutral zone continues in
play.
All players may catch or recover the ball behind the neutral zone and
advance it.
(A.R. 6-3-1:I-III)
b.
The blocking of a scrimmage kick by an opponent of the kicking team
who is no more than three yards beyond the neutral zone is considered
to have occurred within or behind that zone (Rule 2-10-5).
Approved Ruling
6-3-1
-
A Team A punt crosses the neutral zone, and the ball is touched (not
blocked) by a Team B player and then rebounds behind the zone,
where it is recovered by Team A in the field of play.
RULING:
The ball is dead and may not be advanced. First down for Team A.
(Rules 6-3-3 and 6-3-6-a).
[Cited by 2-15-7, 6-3-1-a]
-
Team A's untouched kick goes beyond the neutral zone in flight, is blown
back by the wind and first touches the ground, a player, an official
behind the neutral zone.
RULING:
The kick is not considered to have crossed the neutral zone until it has
touched the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond that zone.
Any scrimmage kick may be advanced after catch or recovery by Team B, or
after catch or recovery by Team A in or behind the neutral zone if the
kick had not crossed the neutral zone (Rule 2-15-7).
[Cited by 2-15-7, 6-3-1-a]
-
A1 interferes with B1's opportunity to catch a kick when a scrimmage
kick fails to cross the neutral zone.
RULING:
Interference with opportunity to catch a kick does not apply, and all
players are eligible to touch, recover and advance the ball.
Therefore, any player legally may push an opponent in an actual attempt
to get at the ball; but no player may hold an opponent to prevent his
reaching the ball, or in an attempt to permit a teammate to reach it
( 9-1-2-d-3 and 9-3-3-c-3).
[Cited by 2-15-7, 6-3-1-a, 6-4-1, 9-1-2-d-3, 9-3-3-c-3]
-
Team A's punt from behind its own goal line crosses the neutral zone
into the field of play.
It then strikes a Team B player and rebounds across Team A's goal line
where Team A falls on the ball.
RULING:
Safety ( 6-3-3, 6-3-6-a and
8-5-1-a).
[Cited by 2-15-7, 8-5-1-a]
-
Team A's punt from behind its own goal line crosses the neutral zone
into the field of play.
It then strikes a Team B player and rebounds behind Team A's goal line
where Team A recovers the ball and advances to the one-yard line.
RULING:
Safety -- ball dead where recovered ( 6-3-3,
6-3-6-a and 8-5-1-a).
[Cited by 2-15-7, 6-3-6-a, 8-5-1-a]
Beyond the Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 2.
a.
No inbounds player of the kicking team shall touch a scrimmage kick that
has crossed the neutral zone before it touches an opponent.
Such illegal touching is a violation that, when the ball becomes dead,
gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball at the spot of
the violation.
(Exception:
Rule 6-3-4)
(A.R. 2-11-1:I)
and
(A.R. 6-3-2:I)
b.
If a penalty incurred by either team before the ball becomes dead is
enforced or there are offsetting fouls, the privilege is cancelled
(Exception:
Rule 6-3-11 and Rule 8-4-2-b).
(A.R. 6-3-2:I-IV)
(A.R. 6-3-11:I)
(A.R. 10-1-4:VIII)
c. Illegal touching in Team A's end zone is ignored.
Approved Ruling
6-3-2
-
Team A illegally touches its kick; then after Team B has touched it,
Team A recovers.
RULING:
Touching by Team A after Team B has touched the kick is legal; and, in
order to get the ball, Team B must take it where Team A illegally
touched it.
Unless illegal touching is also illegal recovery by the kicking team and
no fouls are involved, the receiving team may play the ball with the
assurance that it may later elect the ball at any spot of illegal
touching ( 6-3-2).
[Cited by 6-3-2-a, 6-3-2-b]
-
During a scrimmage kick, A1 commits a touching violation, after which B1
recovers, advances and fumbles.
A2 recovers the fumble and, during the advance, B2 holds, trips or
slugs.
RULING:
Team A may have the ball where left by the penalty for Team B's foul;
but declining the penalty permits Team B to have the ball by electing
the touching violation ( 6-3-2).
[Cited by 6-3-2-b]
-
Players of both teams, attempting to recover a blocked kick behind Team
A's scrimmage line, force the ball across the neutral zone.
RULING:
After a scrimmage kick has crossed the neutral zone, no Team A player
may touch the ball until it has been touched by an opponent
( 6-3-2).
[Cited by 6-3-2-b]
-
Team A commits an illegal touching.
RULING:
Not a foul.
Team B may choose to put the ball in play at the spot of illegal
touching or where the ball is dead, including a touchback.
If this was an unsuccessful field goal attempt and Team B did not touch
the kick beyond the neutral zone, the options of Rule 8-4-2-b
are available to the receiving team ( 6-3-2).
[Cited by 6-3-2-b]
-
Team A's punt is first touched by A80, then picked up by B40, who runs
five yards and fumbles.
A20 picks up the fumble and scores.
During A20's run, B70 holds.
RULING:
Five- and 10-yard penalties are not administered on the try or the
succeeding kickoff.
Team B's foul is declined by rule.
The ball belongs to Team B at the spot of illegal touching.
-
Team A's ball, fourth and 12 at Team A's 20-yard line.
During Team A's scrimmage kick, B85 taunts A44.
The ball is illegally touched by A20 at the 50-yard line and then
recovered by B14, who advances the ball before fumbling at Team A's
25-yard line.
A27 recovers the fumble and is downed immediately.
RULING:
Team A accepts the penalty.
Team B's ball, first and 10 at Team B's 35-yard line following
enforcement of the live-ball foul penalized as a dead-ball foul.
All Become Eligible
ARTICLE 3.
When a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone touches a player
of the receiving team who is inbounds, any player may catch or recover
the ball (Rule 6-3-1-b)
(Exception:
Rule 6-3-4).
Forced Touching Disregarded
ARTICLE 4.
a.
A player blocked by an opponent into a scrimmage kick that has crossed
the neutral zone, shall not, while inbounds, be deemed to have touched
the kick.
(A.R. 6-3-4:I, II and IV)
b.
An inbounds player touched by a ball batted by an opponent is not deemed
to have touched the ball.
(A.R. 6-3-4:III)
Approved Ruling
6-3-4
-
Team A's scrimmage kick is "at rest" on the Team B two-yard line.
Receiver B4 is blocked by A7 and forced to touch the ball.
RULING:
Touching by Team B is disregarded since B4 is deemed not to have touched
the kick.
A new impetus is not possible without contact of the ball by a player
( 8-7-1).
[Cited by 6-3-4-a, 8-7-1, 8-7-2-b-2-Exception]
-
Team A kicks from its own 30-yard line.
The untouched kick has come to rest on Team B's three-yard line when A3
blocks B1 into the ball that is forced through the end zone by Team B's
contact with the ball.
RULING:
Touchback.
Since Team A blocked Team B into the ball, Team B is not deemed to have
touched the ball.
Impetus cannot be charged to Team B ( 8-7-1).
[Cited by 6-3-4-a, 8-7-2-b-2-Exception]
-
Team A's long field goal attempt is first touched when A1 legally bats
the rolling ball into nearby B1.
RULING:
Team B is not deemed to have touched the ball
( 8-4-2-b).
[Cited by 6-3-4-b, 8-4-2-b, 8-7-2-b-2-Exception]
-
Team A's untouched scrimmage kick is at rest on the Team B three-yard
line when B22 blocks A80 into the ball, forcing it into the end zone
where it touches the ground.
RULING:
Touchback -- Ignore touching by A80.
Neither team has touched the kicked ball
( 8-6-1-b).
[Cited by 6-3-4-a, 8-6-1-b, 8-7-2-a, 8-7-2-b-2-Exception]
Catch or Recovery by Receiving Team
ARTICLE 5.
If a scrimmage kick is caught or recovered by a player of the receiving
team, the ball continues in play
(Exception:
Rules
4-1-3-g, 6-3-9, 6-5-1 and
6-5-2).
(A.R. 8-4-2:IX)
Catch or Recovery by Kicking Team
ARTICLE 6.
a.
If a player of the kicking team catches or recovers a scrimmage kick
that crossed the neutral zone, the ball becomes dead.
(A.R. 6-3-1:V)
b. When opposing players, each eligible to touch the ball, simultaneously
recover a rolling kick or catch a scrimmage kick, this simultaneous
possession makes the ball dead.
A kick declared dead in joint possession of opposing players is awarded
to the receiving team (Rules 2-2-8 and 4-1-3-l).
Out of Bounds Between Goal Lines or at Rest Inbounds
ARTICLE 7.
If a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds between the goal lines, or comes
to rest inbounds and no player attempts to secure it, the ball becomes
dead and belongs to the receiving team at the dead-ball spot
(Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b).
Out of Bounds Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 8.
If a scrimmage kick (other than one that scores a field goal) goes out
of bounds behind a goal line, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the
team defending that goal line (Rule 8-4-2-b).
Touching Ground On or Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 9.
The ball becomes dead and belongs to the team defending its goal line
when a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone is subsequently
untouched by Team B before touching the ground on or behind Team B's
goal line (Rule 8-4-2-b).
(A.R. 6-3-9:I-III)
(A.R. 8-4-2:IV)
Approved Ruling
6-3-9
-
A Team A player illegally touches a punt and the ball then rolls into
Team B's end zone, where Team B recovers and advances the ball into the
field of play.
RULING:
The ball is dead when it strikes the ground in the end zone.
Team B may choose a touchback or take the ball at the spot of Team A's
illegal touching ( 4-1-3-c).
[Cited by 4-1-3-c, 6-3-9]
-
Team A's scrimmage kick goes into Team B end zone and the ball is
untouched by Team B beyond the neutral zone.
Team B commits a personal foul after the ball touches the ground in the
end zone.
RULING:
Team B's ball, first and 10 on the 10-yard line
(Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b).
[Cited by 6-3-9]
-
Team A's scrimmage kick goes into Team B's end zone and the ball is
untouched by Team B beyond the neutral zone, and Team A commits a
personal foul after the ball touches the ground in the end zone.
RULING:
Team B's ball, first and 10 on the 35-yard line.
If the snap was outside the 20-yard line on an unsuccessful field goal
attempt, the penalty is at the previous spot.
[Cited by 6-3-9]
-
A Team B player touches a scrimmage kick in flight in Team B's end
zone and downs the ball in the end zone.
RULING:
Touchback ( 8-6-1-a).
[Cited by 8-6-1-a]
-
A Team B player touches a scrimmage kick in flight in Team B's end
zone and catches or recovers the ball and runs to Team A's end zone.
RULING:
Team B touchdown ( 6-3-5).
-
A Team B player touches a scrimmage kick in flight in Team B's end
zone and Team A downs the ball in the end zone.
RULING:
Team A touchdown ( 6-3-3 and 8-2-1-e).
[Cited by 8-2-1-e]
Legal and Illegal Kicks
ARTICLE 10.
a. A legal scrimmage kick is a punt, drop kick or place kick made according
to rule.
b. A return kick is an illegal kick and a live-ball foul that causes the
ball to become dead.
- PENALTY -
-
For a return kick (live-ball foul): five yards from the spot of the
foul
[S31].
c. A scrimmage kick made beyond the neutral zone is an illegal kick and a
live-ball foul that causes the ball to become dead.
- PENALTY -
-
For an illegal kick beyond the neutral zone (live-ball foul): Five
yards from the previous spot and loss of down
[S31 and S9].
d. Any device or material used to mark the spot of a scrimmage place kick
or elevate the ball makes the kick illegal.
- PENALTY -
-
For an illegal kick (live-ball foul): Five yards from the previous spot
[S31].
Loose Behind the Goal Line
ARTICLE 11.
If a Team A player bats a scrimmage kick in Team B's end zone that was
untouched by Team B after the kick crossed the neutral zone, it is a
violation.
Team B may elect a touchback when the ball is declared dead
(A.R. 6-3-11:I)
- VIOLATION -
-
Touchback
[S16 and S7].
(Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b.)
(A.R. 2-11-1:I)
Approved Ruling
6-3-11
-
Team A kicks from the 50-yard line.
During the kick, B1 clips at Team B's 25-yard line.
The untouched kick is batted backward out of bounds from the end zone by
Team A and goes out of bounds on the two-yard line.
RULING:
Team B's ball.
First and 10 on the 10-yard line.
[Cited by 6-3-11, 6-3-2-b]
Out of Bounds Player
ARTICLE 12.
No Team A player who goes out of bounds during a scrimmage kick down may
return inbounds during the down
(Exception:
This does not apply to a Team A player who is blocked out of bounds and
attempts to return inbounds immediately).
- PENALTY -
-
Live-ball foul.
Five yards from the previous spot
or five yards from the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team
B.
[S19].
SECTION 4. Opportunity to Catch a Kick
Interference with Opportunity
ARTICLE 1.
A player of the receiving team within the boundary lines attempting to
catch a kick and so located that he could have caught a free kick or a
scrimmage kick that is beyond the neutral zone,
must be given an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick
(A.R. 6-3-1:III)
(A.R. 6-4-1:V and X)
a.
This protection terminates when the kick touches the ground or is
muffed by any player of Team B beyond the neutral zone
(Rule 6-5-1-a)
(A.R. 6-4-1:IV)
b. If interference with a potential receiver is the result of a player being
blocked by an opponent, it is not a foul.
c.
It is an interference foul if the kicking team contacts the potential
receiver
before, or simultaneous to, his first touching the ball
(A.R. 6-4-1:II, III, VII and IX)
When in question, it is an interference foul.
- PENALTY -
-
For foul between the goal lines: Receiving team's ball, first down, 15 yards
beyond the spot of the foul for an interference foul
[S33].
For foul behind the goal line: Award a touchback and penalise from the
succeeding spot.
Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified
[S47].
Approved Ruling
6-4-1
-
A Team A player catches a free kick, thus preventing an opponent from
making the catch.
RULING:
Illegal interference.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the spot of the foul.
-
A Team B player, about to catch a scrimmage kick, is tackled before the
ball arrives, but catches the kick while he is falling.
RULING:
Illegal interference.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the spot of the foul.
Disqualification of the Team A player if the contact is flagrant.
If the foul is between the goal lines, enforcement is from the spot of the
foul
and Team B puts the ball in play by a snap; if behind Team Bs goal
line, award a touchback and penalize from the succeeding spot.
The ruling would be the same had the kick been muffed or fumbled. The
ruling is also the same on an unsuccessful field goal attempt since
Team B touched the ball beyond the line of scrimmage.
[Cited by 6-4-1-c]
-
A1 of the kicking team beyond the neutral zone is standing or running
between a kick in flight and B1, and (a) A1 is struck by the ball
while B1 is in a position to catch the ball; or (b) B1, in attempting to
catch the ball, bumps into A1.
RULING:
Illegal interference.
Penalty -- (a) 15 yards for interference with the opportunity to catch
the kick; or (b) 15 yards for interference with the opportunity to catch
the kick.
[Cited by 6-4-1-c]
-
A player of Team B, attempting to catch a kick (no fair catch signal),
muffs the ball that is then touched by an opponent who was not interfering
with the opportunity of the receiver when he was in position
to make the catch.
RULING:
Not interference.
Protection against interference with the opportunity to catch a kick
ends when any player of Team B muffs the ball
[Cited by 6-4-1-a]
-
A Team A player beyond the neutral zone first touches or catches a
scrimmage kick that no receiver could have caught while it was in
flight.
RULING:
Illegal touching but not interference.
[Cited by 6-4-1]
-
On a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone, a Team A player stands
in or runs through an area close to a Team B player who is in position
to catch the ball and is deemed to have impeded the Team B player.
RULING:
Interference with the opportunity to catch a kick.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the spot of the foul, which is where the Team B
player
was positioned to catch the kick.
-
On a free kick, catch interference occurs.
The ball subsequently goes out of bounds between the goal lines
untouched by Team B.
RULING:
Team B may elect the interference penalty or decline it and consider the
kick out of bounds.
[Cited by 6-4-1-c]
-
B10 signals for a fair catch, muffs the ball and then catches it.
RULING:
If B10 has an opportunity to catch the kick following the muff,
he must be given an unimpeded opportunity to complete the catch.
If B10 catches the muffed kick, the ball is dead where first touched by
B10.
-
Team As ball, fourth and 10 at the 50-yard line.
B17 is at Team B's 20-yard line and in position to catch Team A's high
scrimmage kick.
During the downward flight of the ball, A37 contacts B17 viciously
and flagrantly before he touches the ball.
A37 did not alter his speed or make any attempt to elude B17.
RULING:
Team A personal foul, interference with the opportunity to catch a kick.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the spot of the foul.
37 is disqualified.
[Cited by 6-4-1-c]
-
Team A's ball, fourth and 10 at the 50-yard line.
Team A's windblown scrimmage kick is on its downward flight at Team B's
30-yard line.
B18, who was at the 20-yard line, must detour around A92 at the 25-yard line
to make
the catch at the 30-yard line.
RULING:
Team A foul, interference with the opportunity to catch a kick.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the spot of the foul, which is the 25-yard line.
[Cited by 6-4-1]
SECTION 5. Fair Catch
Dead Where Caught
ARTICLE 1.
a.
When a Team B player makes a fair catch, the ball becomes dead where
caught and belongs to Team B at that spot.
(Exception:
When a valid fair catch signal is made, the unimpeded opportunity to
catch a free or scrimmage kick is extended to a player who muffs the
kick and still has an opportunity to complete the catch.
This protection terminates when the kick touches the ground.
If the player subsequently catches the kick, the ball is placed where
it was first touched)
(A.R. 6-5-1:I-IV)
b. Rules pertaining to fair catch apply only when a scrimmage kick crosses
the neutral zone or during free kicks.
c.
The purpose of the fair catch provision is to protect the receiver who,
by his fair catch signal, agrees he or a teammate will not advance after
the catch.
(A.R. 6-5-5:III)
d. The ball shall be put in play by a snap by the receiving team at the
spot of the catch if the ball is caught.
(Exception:
Rules 6-5-1-a Exception, 7-1-2 and 8-6-1-b).
Approved Ruling
6-5-1
-
After a valid or invalid signal, B1 muffs and B2, who did
not signal, catches the kick.
RULING:
The ball is dead when and where caught.
[Cited by 6-5-1-a]
-
After a valid or invalid signal by both B1 and B2, one
muffs the kick and the other catches it.
RULING:
Ball is dead.
Team B's ball at the spot of the catch.
[Cited by 6-5-1-a, 6-5-3-b]
-
B1 has a foot out of bounds when he gives a valid or invalid signal.
He then catches the kick inbounds.
RULING:
There is no rule against a receiver going out of bounds during a kick.
The signal is valid or invalid; the inbounds catch is legal, and the ball
is dead.
[Cited by 6-5-1-a]
-
Following his valid fair catch signal, B17 muffs the kick but still has a
reasonable opportunity to catch the kick.
RULING:
After a valid fair catch signal, the unimpeded opportunity to complete the
catch does
not end when the kick is muffed.
The player who signaled must be given a reasonable opportunity to catch the
ball
without being interfered with by members of the kicking team.
An intentional muff forward prior to the catch is an illegal bat.
[Cited by 6-5-1-a]
No Advance
ARTICLE 2.
No Team B player shall carry a caught or recovered ball more than two
steps in any direction after a valid or invalid fair catch signal by
any Team B player.
(A.R. 6-5-2:I-IV)
(A.R. 10-1-5:II)
- PENALTY -
-
Dead-ball foul.
Five yards from the succeeding spot
[S7 and S21].
Approved Ruling
6-5-2
-
A Team B player who has made a fair catch is tackled after he has
carried the ball more than two steps.
RULING:
Foul by the catcher.
Penalty -- Five yards from the succeeding spot.
[Cited by 6-5-2]
-
B1 signals before a muff by B2 and then B1 catches or recovers the kick
and advances.
RULING:
Advancing after the fair catch does not cancel the dead ball that is
established when the ball is caught or recovered.
Two steps are permitted to enable B1 to come to a stop or to regain
balance.
A third or subsequent step inbounds is subject to penalty from where the
ball is caught or recovered.
If B1 is tackled, the tackle is disregarded unless deemed unnecessarily
rough or is so late that the tackler should know that there was no
intention to advance.
If the kick is caught or recovered by Team B in the end zone, it is a
touchback.
If B1 is tackled before completion of a third step, only the tackler has
fouled.
[Cited by 6-5-2]
-
B1, who signaled for a fair catch, is on the run and off balance when he
catches the ball, and his third step ends on or outside a boundary line.
RULING:
No advantage is gained by carrying a dead ball out of bounds.
Therefore, the third step is disregarded and the ball is put in play at
the succeeding spot, the spot of the catch.
[Cited by 6-5-2]
-
Team A punts.
B1, after signalling for a fair catch on his 20-yard line, deliberately
lets the ball strike the ground where B2 recovers the bouncing ball and
advances to Team B's 35-yard line.
RULING:
The ball is dead at the spot of recovery.
Advance is illegal.
Penalty -- Five yards the succeeding spot, the spot of recovery
Team B's ball, first and 10 ( 5-2-7).
[Cited by 6-5-2]
Invalid Signals
ARTICLE 3.
a.
During a down in which a kick is made, no player of Team B shall make
any invalid fair catch signal during a free kick or beyond the neutral
zone during a scrimmage kick.
Any signal is invalid after a scrimmage kick is caught beyond the
neutral zone, strikes the ground or touches another player beyond the
neutral zone.
A signal is invalid after a free kick is caught, strikes the ground or
touches another player.
(A.R. 6-5-3:IV-VI)
b. A catch after an invalid signal is not a fair catch, and the ball is
dead where caught.
If the signal follows a catch, the ball is dead when the signal is
first given.
(A.R. 6-5-1:II)
c. Invalid signals beyond the neutral zone apply only to Team B.
(A.R. 6-5-3:II)
d. An invalid signal beyond the neutral zone is possible only when the ball
has crossed the neutral zone (Rule 2-15-7).
Approved Ruling
6-5-3
-
A1 or B1 signals for a fair catch beyond the neutral zone during a kick
that does not cross the neutral zone.
RULING:
Not an invalid signal, and the ball remains alive ( 2-7-1-a).
-
A1 signals for a fair catch beyond the neutral zone during a kick that
crosses the neutral zone.
RULING:
Not an invalid signal ( 2-7-3).
[Cited by 6-5-3-c]
-
On a free kick, B17 makes an invalid signal for a fair catch near the
sideline, muffs, and the kick goes out of bounds.
RULING:
Team B's ball, first and 10 at the inbounds spot.
-
A scrimmage kick strikes the ground beyond the neutral zone and bounces
high into the air and B1 signals for a fair catch.
RULING:
Invalid signal.
The ball is dead when recovered.
[Cited by 6-5-3-a]
-
B1 catches a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone and then signals for
a fair catch.
RULING:
Invalid signal.
The ball is dead where the signal first was given.
[Cited by 6-5-3-a]
-
Team A's scrimmage kick is rolling beyond the neutral zone when B17
alerts his teammates to stay away from the ball by a "get away" signal
at his waist or below.
RULING:
This is not an invalid signal and Team B may recover and advance until
the ball is dead by rule.
[Cited by 6-5-3-a]
Illegal Block or Contact
ARTICLE 4.
A player of Team B who has made a valid or invalid signal for a
fair catch and does not touch the ball shall not block or foul an
opponent during that down.
(A.R. 6-5-4:I and II)
- PENALTY -
-
Free kick: Receiving team's ball 15 yards from the spot of the foul
(Rule 10-2-2-e)
[S40].
Scrimmage kick: 15-yard penalty, postscrimmage kick enforcement or basic
spot enforcement (Rule 10-2-2-e)
[S40].
Approved Ruling
6-5-4
-
B1 signals and does not touch a punt, but while the untouched ball is
loose in the field of play, he blocks an opponent (a) more than three
yards beyond the neutral zone or (b) in the receiver's end zone.
RULING:
(a) If the ball crosses the neutral zone and Team B has possession when
the down ends, Team B is penalised 15 yards from the postscrimmage kick
enforcement spot.
(b) Safety.
The ruling is the same on an unsuccessful field goal attempt.
[Cited by 6-5-4]
-
B1 signals at the 50-yard line and does not touch a punt.
While the ball is rolling on the ground at Team B's 45-yard line, B1
illegally uses his hands in an attempt to get to the ball and the ball
is declared dead in Team B's possession.
RULING:
Penalty -- 15 yards from the postscrimmage kick enforcement spot.
Team B retains the ball ( 10-2-2-e-3).
[Cited by 6-5-4]
No Tackling
ARTICLE 5.
No player of the kicking team shall tackle or block an opponent who has
completed a fair catch.
Only the player making a fair catch signal has this protection
(A.R. 6-5-5:I and III)
- PENALTY -
-
Dead-ball foul.
Receiving team's ball 15 yards from the succeeding spot
[S7 and S38].
Approved Ruling
6-5-5
-
B1 and B2 each signal.
B1 muffs and B2 is about to catch the kick when he is tackled by A1.
RULING:
Not interference, but holding.
Penalty -- 10 yards from the previous spot.
[Cited by 6-5-5]
-
A Team B player who has made a fair catch signal is tackled before he
has carried the ball more than two steps.
RULING:
Foul by the tackler.
Penalty -- 15 yards from the succeeding spot.
-
The fair catch signal is by a teammate of B1, who catches the ball.
RULING:
The ball is dead when and where caught.
B1 is not entitled to catch protection but is entitled to the same
protection he has after any other dead ball ( 6-5-1-c).
[Cited by 6-5-1-c, 6-5-5]
Next chapter
Back to index
Editor: Jim Briggs, BAFA/BAFRA Rules Committee
rules@britishamericanfootball.org