Drop kick for kickoff

[golfdesigner]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Fed 6-1-2 says that when a punt is used for a free kick, it must be from within 1 step behind K's line. Seeing no other standard, I would say that for a drop kick, within 1 step behind the spot, is the spot.

I think I have to disagree with Robert, when one looks at the actual language of the rule, read the rest of the rule where you find the reference to within 1-yard, it says the free kick must be made ON the free kick line. There is no option. ON is ON not near.

Rule 6
Section 1 The Kickoff and Other Free Kicks
ART. 1 . . . For any free kick, a free-kick line, corresponding to a scrimmage
line, is established for each team. These lines are always 10 yards apart. Unless
moved by a penalty, K’s free-kick line is:
a. Its 40-yard line for a kickoff.
b. Its 20-yard line after a safety.
c. The yard line through the spot of the catch after a fair catch.
d. The yard line through the spot of an awarded fair catch.
ART. 2 . . . A free kick shall be made from any point between the hash marks
and on K’s free-kick line. A punt may not be used for a free kick other than after
a safety. Once designated, K must kick from that spot. When a punt is used following
a safety, the ball must be kicked within one step behind K’s free-kick line.
In an emergency, such as a pool of water on K’s free-kick line, the referee has
authority to move the ball to a playable line. in which case, both free-kick lines are
moved to compensate.