Can R legally block kick in their own end zone?

[Mike Simonds]

I was watching a game with one of our referees when I asked him the following question:

When K is attempting a field goal or extra point try by kick, can R position a player, with good jumping ability, in the end zone in front of the goal posts, to block the kick?

[Huskerblue]

Absolutley. No goal tending in football. The kick then should be ruled a touchback since it crossed the goal line. First and 10 at the 20 unless of course there is a penalty of some sort.

[Theisey]

Well, the no goal tending statement is OK for NFHS football.

Under NCAA rules, a team-B player can jump up and try to prevent the ball from passing though the uprights providing he catches the ball. If he uses a volleyball type block, this would be okay too. So to put it another way, a team-B player cannot BAT the ball to the ground by jumping up directly in front of the goal posts.

This illegal batting in the EZ is a foul and that foul would result in a safety. So that team-B player better be a great jumper. Hmmm, I'll bet is number 88.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by Mike Simonds
I was watching a game with one of our referees when I asked him the following question:

When K is attempting a field goal or extra point try by kick, can R position a player, with good jumping ability, in the end zone in front of the goal posts, to block the kick?

Take a look at Rule 6-3-1 in the Illustrated fro an example and explanation.

Yes a player can be positioned in the end zone for the purpose of blocking the scoring attempt. He can simply block the kick by batting; however, should he fail to block it to the extent the ball goes over the uprights, it is a score.