illegal formation?

[Texas Aggie]

This is probably one of the least enforced rules in the NCAA code. Also, since all Team A members can be anywhere in bounds behind the ball and do virtually anything they want while being there, its virtually impossible to gain an advantage by trying some sort of a hideout play on a kickoff. With the NCAA requirement of 4 players on each side of the kicker (is fed the same??), even a rushed onside isn't a real advantage under this scenario.

I'd be interested if any NCAA code officials have ever flagged this? In my games, if we get the RFP within a reasonable period of time for the KO and there are 11 on each side, we are pretty happy.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: Texas Aggie...no, Fed is not the same. No requirement about the number of players on each side of the kicker.

[Theisey]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

...
I'd be interested if any NCAA code officials have ever flagged this? In my games, if we get the RFP within a reasonable period of time for the KO and there are 11 on each side, we are pretty happy.

Never and never would. It really has no purpose on a free kick.

I remember a game where after the first RFP, the ball is blown off the tee.
Now there is going to be a second RFP.. The wide team-A players asks "do we have to touch up again?", I said nah and yelled down to the wide team-B player and said to him, "there staying right here." No problem was the response.

[Texas Aggie]

The ball off the tee is the perfect example of why this rule is useless and ignored. I may send Adams a note about this.