There are rules which protect the holder and kicker that provide for running into or roughing fouls. Because the kicker and holder are not in a position to protect themselves these rules exist.

 

As in other aspects of football, not all contact is a foul. Slight contact will go uncalled. Light contact which displaces the kicker or holder could bring a running into foul (5 yards). Rough contact will bring a 15 yard and automatic first down foul.

 

The difference between running into and roughing is obvious when you see it if you understand the rule. The golden rule of protecting kickers is that if contact is avoidable, the defender must avoid it. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Many kickers are taught to flop if there is any contact to try to draw a flag. Officials are pretty good about not falling for that trick.

 

 

 

RULE 9 SECTION 4

ART. 5 . . . Running into or roughing the kicker or holder. A defensive player

shall neither run into the kicker nor holder, which is contact that displaces the

kicker or holder without roughing; nor block, tackle or charge into the kicker of a scrimmage kick, or the place-kick holder, other than when:

a. Contact is unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain that a kick will

be made.

b. The defense touches the kick near the kicker and contact is unavoidable.

c. Contact is slight and is partially caused by movement of the kicker.

d. Contact is caused by R being blocked into the kicker or holder by K.

There are rules which protect the holder and kicker that provide for running into or roughing fouls. Because the kicker and holder are not in a position to protect themselves these rules exist.

 

As in other aspects of football, not all contact is a foul. Slight contact will go uncalled. Light contact which displaces the kicker or holder could bring a running into foul (5 yards). Rough contact will bring a 15 yard and automatic first down foul.

 

The difference between running into and roughing is obvious when you see it if you understand the rule. The golden rule of protecting kickers is that if contact is avoidable, the defender must avoid it. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Many kickers are taught to flop if there is any contact to try to draw a flag. Officials are pretty good about not falling for that trick.

 

 

 

RULE 9 SECTION 4

ART. 5 . . . Running into or roughing the kicker or holder. A defensive player

shall neither run into the kicker nor holder, which is contact that displaces the

kicker or holder without roughing; nor block, tackle or charge into the kicker of a scrimmage kick, or the place-kick holder, other than when:

a. Contact is unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain that a kick will

be made.

b. The defense touches the kick near the kicker and contact is unavoidable.

c. Contact is slight and is partially caused by movement of the kicker.

d. Contact is caused by R being blocked into the kicker or holder by K.

 

 

One thing that I'd like to ask. It is possible to actually block a kick and still be called for roughing isn't it? The reason I ask is a couple of years ago in my son't middle school conference championship game against Corbin this was called. Somerset had scored a touchdown and was attempting to kick the PAT. A Corbin defender came through the line and blocked the kick near the line of scrimmage. However, after blocking the kick he took a couple of steps and went airborne and shoulder first into the kicker. The officials ruled that he could have pulled up and called him for roughing. The Corbin coaches and fans were upset but I thought that the rusher still had to avoid contact if possible--and in this case it was obvious that he used the block as a reason to make contact. I never had actually asked an official about it and was just curious.

Remember the golden rule I stated earlier. If contact is avoidable, avoid it. Any contact that is avoidable is likely going to be called a foul, whether the defender got the ball or not. Based on your description I would have flagged that contact also.

Some teams are now teaching punters to kick on the run after rolling out. This situation presents a bit of a problem for protecting him. He is technically a runner and has no protection until he begins his kicking motion. In plays like this the officials will give more latitude to the defenders because it is less reasonable to think a kick will be made, and reasonable to think he may run or pass the ball. You can still have a foul, but it is less likely when the punter is rolling out.

Remember the golden rule I stated earlier. If contact is avoidable, avoid it. Any contact that is avoidable is likely going to be called a foul, whether the defender got the ball or not. Based on your description I would have flagged that contact also.

 

When Holmes had Duran Jefferson as their punter they would have him line up in kick formation and then take the snap and roll out looking to see if he could get the first down. If he couldn't he would stop and then punt. I assume that the "golden rule" you mentioned above still applies in this case despite the fact that he initially looked like he was running for the first down. If he stopped to kick it he was protected, correct?

Yes it does apply. Avoidable contact must be avoided or risk the flag if contact is more than incidental. And remember this...

 

a. Contact is unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain that a kick will

be made.

 

If the punter is running with the ball he is not a kicker and not protected. In your case, the defender cannot be reasonably certain of a kick, and must protect against the run, or a pass, which is also possible.

 

Not to complicate things, but if the K player throws a pass, he gets protection from roughing the passer. If he kicks he gets kicker protection. If he is hit before he does either, then it's a good play by the defense.

Yes it does apply. Avoidable contact must be avoided or risk the flag if contact is more than incidental. And remember this...

 

a. Contact is unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain that a kick will

be made.

 

If the punter is running with the ball he is not a kicker and not protected. In your case, the defender cannot be reasonably certain of a kick, and must protect against the run, or a pass, which is also possible.

 

Not to complicate things, but if the K player throws a pass, he gets protection from roughing the passer. If he kicks he gets kicker protection. If he is hit before he does either, then it's a good play by the defense.

 

Is the college rule different? If so, how? What's the difference?:confused:

Off thread perhaps, but the snapper is also protected I believe. I've seen the snapper get knocked on his butt several times but no penalty called. What's the rule on this Hey-Ref?

Off thread perhaps, but the snapper is also protected I believe. I've seen the snapper get knocked on his butt several times but no penalty called. What's the rule on this Hey-Ref?

 

As one who used to snap on the FG and XP I'm all for protecting the snapper.

Definition: A snapper is the player who is facing his opponent’s goal line with

his shoulders approximately parallel thereto and who snaps the ball. In a scrimmage-

kick formation, the snapper remains a snapper until he has had a reasonable

opportunity to regain his balance and protect himself or until he blocks or

moves to otherwise participate in the play.

 

Roughing the snapper. A defensive player shall not charge directly

into the snapper when the offensive team is in a scrimmage-kick formation.

 

Scrimmage kick formation was modified last year....

 

A scrimmage kick formation is one in which no player is in position

to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper’s legs, and at the snap,

either:

a. A player is in position with a knee on the ground 7 yards or more behind

the line of scrimmage, in position to be the holder and receive the long

snap and with another player 3 yards or less behind that player in position

to attempt a place kick, or

b. A player is 10 yards or more behind the line of scrimmage and in position

to receive the long snap.

 

When in shotgun formation, typically with QB 5-7 yards behind the snapper, there is no protection for the snapper any longer. Basically the snapper gets protection when in formation to attempt a FG or a punt.