Expert: Vic Winnek - 9/14/2006

Question
Does the same rule apply to a "muffed" snap on a field goal try when there is no "offensive player kick(ing) or simulat(ing) kicking the ball for a place kick"?

For example, if the holder is set up to catch the snap (let's assume a right-footed kicker) and has to extend his whole body to his left to catch a bad snap resulting in both knees on the ground as he catches it. The kicker really has no chance to "kick or simulate a kick," so is the ball then considered "down."?

Thanks, Vic.

JOhn
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Followup To

Question -
Vic-

In college, where the offensive player is considered "down" once his knee touches the ground withh or withour contact from the defense, why do we see fake field goals where the holder receives the snap with his knee clearly on the ground and then proceeds to run and/or pass.

Why isn't he ruled down on the spot where he received the ball. This happened last week at th Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game and has alway spuzzled me.

I had thought that perhaps the holder was careful not to place his knee down all the way, but it was very clear to me on replay that it was on the ground when he caught the snap.

THanks

Answer -
John,
Thanks for the question.  The reason is because of Rule 4-1-3(b, exception).  This rule creates the exception to the ball being declared dead when a player's knee is down touching the ground. The exception applies only to the HOLDER when an offensive player kicks or simulates kicking the ball for a place kick (Field Goal).  By rule the ball may be advanced, kicked or passed.

In college football the hold may place his knee on the ground and the ball is not declared dead.

I took some time to answer this question as I wanted to research the history of the rule as to why this is allowed.  Through extensive research I could not find the explanation by the rules committee "why" there was an exception other than the obvious.

The holder is a position that holds the ball for a place kick.  After receiving the snap it would be illogical to declare the ball dead because the holder's knee was on the ground.  It would defeat the purpose of a holder and the purpose of a place kick.

The old football rules declared the ball became dead in player possession when the player was down by contact (much like the current NFL rule).  I suspect the origin of this 4-1-3(b) exception dates back to the late 1800's.

I hope this answers your question.  Please feel free to follow-up or ask further questions.  Additionally it would be appreciated if you would rate this response.

Thanks again,
Victor Winnek
Football Official

Answer
Follow-up:

There must be a player in position to kick or simulate the kick otherwise once the holders knee touches the ground the hold is considered a runner and is down immediately.

Yest the same rule applies to your follow up question.  In your example there is a kicker present, whether he kicks it or has a chance to kick it is not the test. The Test is : is there a player in position to kick or simulate a kick. Thus, in your example the holder may rise to gain possession of the muffed snap and return to the ground without being considered down if the "test" is met [a player in position to kick the ball.]

If the player is not in position to kick the ball then the holder is down.