[Da Official]

Originally Posted by Bullycon

Yes, it does matter. The holder is exempt from 4-2-2a when he catches or recovers the snap. After the kick, this exemption no longer applies.

He may still hold the ball for a second legal place kick, but he may not touch the ground with any part of his person other than his hand or foot.

NCAA rules are different, I think. I'll have to look those up.

I looked up NCAA Rule 4-1-3-b,

Ball Declared Dead
ARTICLE 3. A live ball becomes dead and an official shall sound his whistle
or declare it dead:
b. When any part of the ball carrier’s body, except his hand or foot, touches
the ground or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses
possession of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his
body, except his hand or foot [Exception: The ball remains alive when
an offensive player has simulated a kick or is in position to kick the ball
held for a place kick by a teammate. The ball may be kicked, passed or
advanced by rule] (A.R. 4-1-3-I).


I would think if the play in question occurred in a NCAA game, the question of the holder's knee being on the ground would not result in the ball being declared dead...but I could be wrong.