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College Football/Illegal Kick

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Expert: - 12/10/2004


Question
I'm looking for the clarification of the 'illegal kick' rule.  The way I understand it, if a punter drops a snap or for some reason there is a loose ball, it is illegal to kick the ball.  However, does this pertain to the mishandling of a field goal attempt.  I've seen holders have the ball slip out of their hands and the kickers still kick it off the ground, usually unsuccessfully.  However, that seems to violate the illegal kick rule, but I've never seen it called.  

Answer
Dave, Thanks for your question.  There are 2 diferent fouls involving Kicking the ball: "Illegal Kick" & "Illegal Kicking of the Ball".  The foul you ask about is an illegal Kick.  You understanding is correct.  It is a foul for any player to intentionally Kick a loose ball.  The foul is 15 yards enforced from the spot of the foul. Kicks that fall within the definition of free kicks; scrimmage kicks: field goal, punt, drop kick are legal.

The second part of your question regarding kicking a FG on a mishandled snap is also an illegal kick.  For the FG to be legal the holder must possess the ball in place for the Kicker to kick.  If the ball is loose on the ground and the kicker kicks it is an illegal kick.

I recently watched a high school championship game and such a play occured on a PAT and the referee missed the call.

Thanks for the question.  If you need further follow up or more information, please feel free to e-mail me. I hope this answers your question.

Victor Winnek
California Football Officials Association

College Football

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Vic Winnek

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Will Answer all queries RE: Rules of Football - NCAA & Federation; Officiating; Instruction on Football; Mechanics & application of rules; Setting up Instructional programs and clinics for: Officials, coaches and media; Liability Issues (Legal & Insurance questions)arising from coaching, playing, refereeing, product liability. Serve as an Consultant and Expert Witness in Football Related Matters in Tort and Contract (Standard of Care for: officials, coaches, players, assignors, BOD; Player, equipment, field & stadium Safety; Fee issues, independant contractor workers compensation. History of the College football game -its evolution. MY PURPOSE IS TO INFORM & EDUCATE FANS, MEDIA, THOSE INTERESTED IN FOOTBALL ABOUT: THE RULES, THEIR APPLICATION, PHILOSOPHIES; OFFICIATING; LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVING FOOTBALL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO BASHING OF TEAMS, COACHES OR OFFICIALS. I will not dignify rude or disparaging comments with a response, nor entertain questions that use profanity or questions that suggest Football officials are corupt, such an insinuation is ridiculous and ludicrous.

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24 years officiating High School & College football, NCAA Referee, Umpire, Back Judge & Line Judge 2 years Arena Football-substitution official Instructor of NCAA & Federation Officials, Played prep and college football; coached High School football; Athletic trainer; 23 years of instruction in Officiating Football

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Past President of Calif. Football Officials Assoc; Western Collegiate Football Officials Assoc.; CFOA-Long Beach Unit Board of Directors CFOA-South Bay Unit & Long Beach Unit, Pres. Executive Council of Calif. Football Officials Assoc.; CIF Presidents' Council on Officiating; Chairman Ethics Committee

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Referee Magazine; California Football Officials Assoc. Instructor's Guide; NACC Div. 1-AA football officials' clinic; CFOA instrutional materials; Articles written: Line of Scrimmage mechanics, Forward Progress, Side Line Warnings, 2006 NCAA New Timing Rules; various instructional materials, UWLA Law Review

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BA USC 1987
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NCAA Div. 1 FCS & Div. III, 9 post season Bowl Games, play-offs, CIF Div. 1,2,3,5,8,9,10,12 Final, 10 years CIF Semi-finals, 19 years of CIF play-offs, California State High School Football Div. 1 Championship, Southern California Jr. College Championship, NCAA Div. III Semi-Final

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