Kicking question

[cameo]

A question came up in a discussion the other day regarding rugby style kicking. Perhaps some of you more proficient in the rules can answer this. When the kicker receives the hike and turns to the side and begins running sideways, at what point does he become a running back and eligible to be tackled?

 

[get'em_griz]

I think that a kicker can be tackled as long as he has the ball in his hands and isn't attempting to kick it off. I don't know the rules 100% but I would assume (just a guess) that as long as the kicker remains behind the line of scrimmage, he can kick the ball off at any time. After he crosses it, he essentially becomes a running back and is eligible to be tackled.

 

[EverettGriz]

The punter is protected, "when it is obvious that a kick will be made". However, "the kicker's protection under this rule ends when he carries the ball outside the tackle box".

If he's outside the tackle box, blast away!

 

[PlayerRep]

Some people say the tackle box is tackle to tackle, but I think it's 5 yards on either side of center. If a rugby style punter kicks from outside of the tackle box, he can be tackled as he kicks or right after he kicks. Different rules outside tackle box even for punter. Also, I think the roughing rule ends when the kicker regains his balance, so that a kicker that has kicked and is back to being on balance can be run into a bit. I think this is why some things that look like they would be roughing aren't call, i.e. because the kicker has regained his balance and just gets bumped a bit. Doing what the MVS guy did to our kicker isn't allowed, tho.

 

[EverettGriz]

Some people say the tackle box is tackle to tackle, but I think it's 5 yards on either side of center. If a rugby style punter kicks from outside of the tackle box, he can be tackled as he kicks or right after he kicks. Different rules outside tackle box even for punter. Also, I think the roughing rule ends when the kicker regains his balance, so that a kicker that has kicked and is back to being on balance can be run into a bit. I think this is why some things that look like they would be roughing aren't call, i.e. because the kicker has regained his balance and just gets bumped a bit. Doing what the MVS guy did to our kicker isn't allowed, tho.

That is correct.

 

[dupuyer griz]

Also, if he kicks and the ball is touched no call is to be made. I was kind of surprised we didn't load up on the side he was running to because. Think it would have been pretty easy to block. (At least against MVSU)


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[Paytonlives]

I hate this rule... If that guy takes more then 2 steps he should be considered a runner.

 

[TxGriz]

"Always say 'hut', never say 'hike'" ~ Peyton Manning