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College Football/place kicking rules

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Expert: - 11/23/2008


Question
shouldn't there be a penalty for a false start if before the snap the kicker starts to move or takes a studder step towards the kick?

Answer
Stuart
I need pore information before I can answer your question...

Where was the "Kicker" position before the snap?  When and what kind of steps is he taking?  Does the player do this every time?  What does the defense do?

Generally, A false start is the simulation of the snap or act at the snap.  As you describe the action of a player, I presume he is in a legal scrimmage kick formation in a obvious position to receive the snap.  Therefore he is a Back until he becomes a kicker.  I presume he is standing upright.  It does not sound to be a false start but I question if the action rises to the level of illegal motion or a shift depending upon what the other players are doing and when.  

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