Refs - Punting Rule Clarification

[BataviaDogs1]

Art. 3 - Has a discussion with other coaches on how and when the kicking(punting) team can advance the ball after a punt. The way I’m reading Art. 3 is that if a punt does not clear the neutral zone, line of scrimmage, the punting team can advance for a first down. Or, if the punt goes beyond the LOS, and rolls backwards behind the LOS, the punt team can advance the ball. For both cases, the return team has not touched the ball.
@stripes13 @ref2

 

[Chief321]

Correct, an advance by K in both cases is legal without a touch by R

 

[Chief321]

Here’s a case play for you on it:
6:2:3: A scrimmage kick by K1 is partially blocked in the Neutral Zone(NZ) by R1. The kick goes beyond the NZ where R2 muffs it back behind the NZ. K2 recovers behind the NZ and advances across R goal line
Ruling: touchdown K
Comment:the right of the kickers to advance their recovered scrimmage kick depends entirely upon whether the kick is recovered in, behind or beyond the NZ. Whether the kick went beyond the NZ and then rebounded behind is of no consequence. The spot of recovery is the only factor. If the recovery is in or behind the NZ, K may advance. If it’s recovered beyond the NZ K may recover but not advance

Of note, once R secures possession we no longer have a kick. So if R fumbles, K can recover and advance, if it’s a muff then no advance if beyond the NZ

 

[RetiredReferee]

What he said.

 

[RetiredReferee]

The only thing I would add is that a kick, is a kick, until it isn’t a kick.

 

[falconfish]

A couple of years ago a punter from Mt Carmel had a punt that did not advance beyond the line of scrimmage and he (the punter) alertly picked up and tried to advance it.

 

[BataviaDogs1]

Here’s a case play for you on it:
6:2:3: A scrimmage kick by K1 is partially blocked in the Neutral Zone(NZ) by R1. The kick goes beyond the NZ where R2 muffs it back behind the NZ. K2 recovers behind the NZ and advances across R goal line
Ruling: touchdown K
Comment:the right of the kickers to advance their recovered scrimmage kick depends entirely upon whether the kick is recovered in, behind or beyond the NZ. Whether the kick went beyond the NZ and then rebounded behind is of no consequence. The spot of recovery is the only factor. If the recovery is in or behind the NZ, K may advance. If it’s recovered beyond the NZ K may recover but not advance

Of note, once R secures possession we no longer have a kick. So if R fumbles, K can recover and advance, if it’s a muff then no advance if beyond the NZ

Where do you find more case plays like this?

 

[Chief321]

Just google NFHS case book. I imagine anyone can buy a case or rule book from the NFHS,

 

[dieter]

Where do you find more case plays like this?

The NFHS Football Case Book is a companion to the rules book. And to be honest there are many situations that are unclear or poorly defined in the rule book that are cleared up by the case book. As an official I read the case book every year from cover to cover.

 

[markmacaluso]

Correct, an advance by K in both cases is legal without a touch by R

UNLESS....the kicking team is Batavia. In that case, there is no recovery or advancement allowed under any circumstances! I'm sure that exact sentence is buried somewhere in the appendix of the case book.

 

[Chief321]

UNLESS....the kicking team is Batavia. In that case, there is no recovery or advancement allowed under any circumstances! I'm sure that exact sentence is buried somewhere in the appendix of the case book.

They seem to have done OK for themselves despite that particular restriction