Substition on Kickoff

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Does it matter whether any of the 12 were on the field for the previous down, or is it exactly the same if all 12 came off the bench?

If you track who's on and off between extra points (or FG's) and a kickoff (or during halftime!), you're the first to do so. I don't know how an official would have the information you're asking about... ever.

[parepat]

I remember the first time I was confronted about this practice. I blew my whistle after the RFP and indicated that the kicking team only had ten. An "assistant" asked me "why did you let them know...". I said "coach we start with 11." He then identified himself and told me "that's good officiating". I found out that was an NFL official and was just testing/teasing me. I'm glad I didn't act like a jerk.

[jemiller]

Everybody on our crew is required to count to 11. If it is anything else for a kick-off we delay the RFP until we have the required number. Preventative officiating...