Free kick following a fair catch

[PSU213]

Originally Posted by Jim D

I had it once - near the end of the half, R fair caught a short punt in good field postition with the wind at their back. It took a long time to set up - more for the receiving team than the kicking team. Since the kickers asked for the free kick, they had some idea what was going on. The receiving team was completely clueless and we almost had to take them by the hand to line them up (of course, getting the officiating crew lined up correctly was also a challenge!)

My thought is, since it hardly ever happens, why take it out of the rule book? It's not hurting anybody and it could help a smart team in the right situation.

I guess I would also say that if it does happen (even if it is hardly ever), then the rule is not 'archaic,' and does not need to be taken out.