R in Punt Position

[Ed Hickland]

Interested in knowing how other Rs position for an intended punt?

I have always lined up on the side of the punter's kicking foot on the same yard line or slightly back wide enough to be able to view on-rushing backs who may attempt to block the kick. As soon as possible I move to the spot where the punter kicked the ball and view downfield to see if it is headed out of bounds in case the wing may need my help in spotting.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

Interested in knowing how other Rs position for an intended punt?

I have always lined up on the side of the punter's kicking foot on the same yard line or slightly back wide enough to be able to view on-rushing backs who may attempt to block the kick. As soon as possible I move to the spot where the punter kicked the ball and view downfield to see if it is headed out of bounds in case the wing may need my help in spotting.

CANADIAN MECHANIC:

The Referee is to be parallel to the point of kick, to determine if kicking team players are onside or offside at the time of kick.

The extent of this mechanic is often a debatable point: how far away from the kicker should the R go? If there is a tandem of potential onside guys, one to each side of the punter/FGK, and 20 yards wide as well, should the R go 23 yards away from the punter/FGK? I say no, and let the side guy get the onside player on his side.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The Referee is to be parallel to the point of kick, to determine if kicking team players are onside or offside at the time of kick.

The extent of this mechanic is often a debatable point: how far away from the kicker should the R go? If there is a tandem of potential onside guys, one to each side of the kicker, and 20 yards wide as well, should the R go 23 yards away from the kicker? I say no, and let the side guy get the onside player on his side.

Are you discussing a punt or a kickoff?

[daggo66]

I use the mechanic Ed described.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Are you discussing a punt or a kickoff?

A punt, as always, in the Canadian game.

[BktBallRef]

Weird game.

[MJT]

I do just as you do Ed.

[Scooby]

Same as you do Ed.

[Forksref]

I am on kicking foot side. I used to be a couple yards in front of the line of the kicker. Two years ago I was there and the snap went over the head of the punter and he picked it up and started running. I got caught "inside" (NOT a good feeling!) and my head was on a swivel watching the play with players on all sides of me chasing the punter. Since that game I am a yd. or two deeper than the punter and it has worked well. I can still see my opposite tackle key and the rush on the punter.

[Mike L]

We have different mechanics than most when a punt is involved. Since the LJ moves downfield for his initial set, the R is always to the LJ's side of the field about 7 yds wide of the kicker and a couple yards deeper.

[With_Two_Flakes]

I'll be a couple of yards deeper than the kicker and quite wide, about 7 yds or a little more.

4 Man crew. I'll be on the LJ side (as he will be downfield) and I gotta be able to cover the LJ sideline if needs be.
5 (or more) Man crew. Kicking foot.