Roughing the Kicker???
Assume NF rules here.
Does the offense have to be in a scrimmage kick formation in order for a roughing the kicker penalty to be called? I'm picturing a 3rd down quick kick. Say the QB is 6 yards behind the line(non scrimmage kick formation), and tries to kick, and is hit just after the kick. Let's say that you would throw a flag on this if it was a traditional punt (scrimmage kick formation). Is it roughing by rule and definition. I notice all the cases in the case book talk about being in a scrimmage kick formation. Didn't know if that was a prerequisite. I know you couldn't have roughing the snapper without the SCF but I don't know about the kicker. |
There's no such requirement. At the same time, the defense should be given the benefit of the doubt if it's unclear whether a kick will occur or not.
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Whenever a coach tells me that they run the rugby punt I tell them that I am going to give the benefit of the doubt to the defense if the Punter/Runner gets hit. |
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When the kick is not obvious, I give the benefit of doubt to the defense. What I determine is if the defender is trying to tackle the runner or block a kick. If the defender jumps in front of the kicker as to obstruct the kick or lowers his head as the kicker is kicking the ball, he knew the kick was coming and as such needs to avoid the kicker.
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The primary intent of this rule places total responsibility on the defense to AVOID contact with a kicker (or holder). 9-4-5-a is a purely judgment call and it's YOUR judgment alone that matters. |
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