Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/3/2009

Question
I was wanting clarification on the kickoff formation.  It is stated that there must be at least 4 players on each side of the kicker.  Is that from the whistle or at the time he kicks off?  In other words, can you have the following onside kickoff:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11

Number 8 is the kicker and kicking onside to the left.  There are only 3 players to the right of him at the whistle, but the ball is placed five yards in front of 6, so as he goes to kick the ball he crosses 7 & 6, so they are on his right AS he kicks the ball.  Is that legal?

Answer
Scott, hello!

Yes, Legal play!  It's when the ball is put into play by the kick, not when the whistle blows.   




Take Care,

Thom Brooks
www.BrooksInsuranceSchool.com
Savannah Adult Baseball League

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The Official Web Site of the NCAA - NCAA.org - NCAA.org




http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828...

ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf

D1AFootball.com



REFEREE, the Magazine for Sports Officials


National Association of Sports Officials