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College Football/NCAA RULES REGARDING TRIPPING

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Expert: - 6/25/2007


Question
I am a kicker playing NCAA football rules in Australia. We are using NCAA 2006 rules. I have been charged with ‘Assault Player’ (deliberately kicking) arising from an incident during a game.

On a kick-off, I tripped the returner when I was the last man. The official ruled that I kicked the player and I was ejected from the game.   

Is tripping the returner legal in NCAA rules?

What is the NCAA definition of tripping?

What is the NCAA definition of assault?

Thanks

John  

Answer
John

There is not term in NCAA football known as "Assault" - no rule uses such a term. Second you indicate that you "tripped" the runner.  Tripping the ball carrier/ runner is the one exception that is legal for tripping.

The official was correct to eject if you were "KICKING an opponent" such kicking is defined as "Fighting" (not assault) and requires an ejection.

Based on your description of the play it seems you were trying to tackle the runner by "tripping" him which is LEGAL - no foul.

I suspect the official confused the rules and was incorrect with his call. I suspect the official has confused the approved ruling and his understanding of Rules 9-1-2-b & 9-1-2-c.

Tripping is defined in Rule 2-28-1 using the leg or foot to obstruct an opponent below the knee (the runner may be tripped)

Based on you description of the play there should have been no foul or ejection.

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