Timing Clarification on scrimmage kicks

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by dumbref

OK, I admit to being confused also. But I was under the impression the clock would start on the snap. Case play 3.4.3 sit E is as close to this play as I can find. There is a legal kick and K is awarded a first down. Does it matter whether the first down is awarded because of the run or a penalty? I’m asking – not arguing.

I am also confused by case play 3.4.3 sit F. There is a fair catch by R, a penalty on K is accepted and the down is replayed. I know fair catch is list under Art4 (stop the clock), but it is not listed as a snap situation in Art 3. Why do we start the clock with the snap?

REPLY: Let's take them one at a time...

In the posted play, it was 4th and 8. The penalty was for running into the kicker. Thus a 5 yard penalty would not give K a first down. That's the difference from your case play.

Your second question...making a fair catch is one of those 'major' clock-stoppers--those where "...the action that caused the down to end also caused the clock to stop." Just like an incomplete pass and a live ball going out of bounds. Hence, start on the snap