Illegal motion question (FED)

[voiceoflg]

Broadcaster here with a FED question.

I know, for example, if a running back moves forward as the ball is snapped the penalty called is illegal motion. But is the rule the same for a kicker attempting a field goal? The kicker takes a step forward, the ball is snapped, he stops and then starts again. No flag was thrown on the Friday night and the kicker missed anyway. But I was curious as to what the rule is.

Thanks.

[BktBallRef]

Sounds more like a false start than illegal motion but yes, it would be a foul.

[Robert Goodman]

For fouls at the snap, it doesn't matter what the player intends to do during the play. Kicker, runner...all the same thing.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

The kicker takes a step forward, the ball is snapped, he stops and then starts again.

This very foul was called against Cal last night. The field goal attempt was good but brought back for IM. The kicker missed from 5 yards back. Cost them the game, which they lost by 2.

[TXMike]

It gets brought up on a message board and then it happens!

YouTube - IllMotionFlsStrtKicker

[jaybird]

Appears that the kicker stopped and reset therefore eliminating the illegal motion possibility.

[TXMike]

Yep, and the false start should have shut it down

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by TXMike

Yep, and the false start should have shut it down

I agree.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by jaybird

Appears that the kicker stopped and reset therefore eliminating the illegal motion possibility.

He was not set for a second, except in slow motion.

At any rate, that was the ruling on the field (not reviewable). Looked right to me in real time: remember that the snap began well before the ball got to the holder.

[voiceoflg]

Excellent. Thank you all very much for educating me.