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College Football/further info on holder's knee on ground please...

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Expert: - 10/26/2007


Question
Recently, you addressed the question regarding whether or not a holder is
"down" when he receives a snap preparing for a kick; (holder's knee is in
contact with ground).  This was great information; but I would really like to
know if your answer applies to high school football as well.  Actually, I coach
in a youth league that basically uses high-school rules, and there is a strong
opinion that the holder can not have his knee down at all.  I definitely do not
agree with this, so I am trying to do research ASAP.  I hope to find some
answers within the next 24 hours.
Thank you in advance.
Jerry

Answer
Jerry
The NCAA Rule is different and more "liberal" than the National Federation High School rule.  The rule cite you seek is NFHS Rule 4-2-2-a exception (page 47 of 2007 Rule book).

he rule analysis in the prior posting you reference was for college rules only not high school.  Under NFHS rules the holder  may have is knees down on the ground if he is in position to catchthe snap and hold it for a place kick and a teammate is in position to kick the ball.  The ball remains a live if the holder with his knees on the ground rises to recover an errant snap and then immediately returns to the ground to hold it for a place kick. But if the holder rises to recover a muffed snap or fumble and then returns to the ground the ball is declared dead at that spot.

The holder may rise from the knee contacting the ground to advance, pass or hand the ball; he may not hand pass or advance the ball while his knee is touching the ground.

Bottom line the holder may have his knee on the ground and the ball remains alive if:
There is a team mate in "position to kick" the ball;
The holder is in position to receive the snap for holding a place kick.

The holder may rise to hand pass or advance the ball;
may rise to recover an errant snap and return to hold the place kick;

The ball becomes dead when the holder rises to recover a muff or fumble and then returns to the ground to hold the ball for a place kick or when the holder passes, hands or advances the ball from a kneeling position

Hope this answers your research question.

Victor Winnek
Football Official

Jerry
I am headed to my college game will not be available to answer any of your follow up questions until sunday.  I realized you needed the above information ASAP.  Below are some reference links to help you as well.

http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/football.aspx
http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?topic=2768.0  

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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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