Quote:
Originally posted by twref
Bob-I probably needed to explain my question a little better. I was actually refering to kentref's original post. In what scenario would a coach want to use a free kick instead of a scrimmage snap and what does this have to do with a fair catch vs. R1 fielding a kick and running with it? Is the scenario K kicks the ball with 10 seconds to go, R feels if they catch and run with the ball the clock will run off so they fair catch? I'm lost.
|
REPLY: At the risk of telling you something you already know, I'll go out on a limb.
After a fair catch or an awarded fair catch following KCI, the offended team may choose to put the ball in play either (a) with a standard run-of-the-mill scrimmage play, or (b) a free kick. The important thing in (b) is that if the free kick passes over the crossbar between the uprights, they are awarded three points--just like a field goal. I actually saw this happen a number of years ago in a state final where the eventual winner trailed by a point with very little time left on the clock. On a short punt, they signalled and made the fair catch just beyond the line of scrimmage. On the next play they executed a free kick that was good and they won the title. The kicker was the son of the current UVA coach Al Groh.
It's only after a fair catch or awarded fair catch that the team has option (b). Also, if you officiate under NCAA rules, you're probably doubly confused since they don't have option (b) at all--even after a FC or awarded FC.
A team would probably use this option if they needed three points or less and there wasn't much time on the clock, or in a defensive low-scoring battle if they have a good kicker and these points might be the difference in the game. But remember, it's only available to Federation football and then only after a FC or an awarded FC.)
I hope this helps. If not, let me know where I'm missing the boat.