Roughing the kicker rules

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Adam
"Another question:

Can a kicker be penalized for trying to be touched or faking a hit by a defender? It seems like unsportsmanlike conduct but I could be reaching here. probably just sour grapes. "

REPLY: In NCAA rules, yes, there is such a rule.
NCAA 9-1-3b: "A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act (A.R. 9-1-3-V). However, I think you might only see it called if there is no contact whatsoever, and the kicker/holder takes a dive. Even then, most referees are just going to ignore it. It's not the kind of call an official is looking to make. The Nedney thing at the end of the Pitt/Tenn game would not get such a flag in an NCAA game. There is no such specific rule in Federation.