Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/4/2008

Question
Is it legal for a team to line up for a kick off and instead of kicking, pick up the ball and retreat to their own endzone for a safety. Also would the play clock start at the time the kicker picks up the ball?

Answer
Walter, Good Morning and Merry Christmas!

The Play does not start until the ball is kicked.  The clock would not start until touched by the receiving team.  If they were to kick the ball a few feet and fall on it, the ball would belong to the receiving team at that spot.  If the ball traveled more than 10 yards in the air and bounced, then it could remain the kicking team's ball.

Other factors to consider is that the K team would have a penalty for Illegal Kick, Delay of Game or Unsportsmanlike.  If they kicked and it was "First Touching" by the K team, the ball is dead at that spot.


Did you see such a play?  Was it an incorrect call by the Officials?
Was there any "New Force"?  Was it during a Free Kick or a Punt?

Take care,

Thom Brooks




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