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Yeah, the rule is very poorly worded.
mbcrowder's phrasing is basically how they want it called, as far as I've been able to discern.
Consider this scenario:
K's players are huddled close together, about 5-6 yards behind the ball when the RFP whistle blows.
K breaks the huddle and the players spread out to cover the field.
While running to their "start positions", one or more K players (other than the kicker) are running along the 29 yard line.
All K players (other than the kicker) put one foot on the 30 yard line and come to a complete stop.
The Kicker begins his forward motion and kicks the ball.
According to the exact wording of the rule, this would be a foul for illegal free-kick formation. However, I attended a clinic this spring with several D1 officials as clinicians, and ALL OF THEM said they'd rather take the risk of a potential downgrade for not calling this rather than being the first guy to throw a flag for it.
Think of it from a advantage/disadvantage standpoint... does K really gain an advantage in the scenario I outlined above?
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