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-   -   When does kicker protection end? (https://forum.officiating.com/football/98527-when-does-kicker-protection-end.html)

Mingram Sat Oct 18, 2014 09:21pm

When does kicker protection end?
 
Team A punting, snap goes over punter's head. Punter gathers up the ball, tucks it under his arm (still in the tackle box), runs two steps toward the sideline, then gets off a 10-harder. As the kick gets away, team B tackles him. I thinks RITK still applies. Am I right?

Robert Goodman Sat Oct 18, 2014 09:42pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingram (Post 941854)
Team A punting, snap goes over punter's head. Punter gathers up the ball, tucks it under his arm (still in the tackle box), runs two steps toward the sideline, then gets off a 10-harder. As the kick gets away, team B tackles him. I thinks RITK still applies. Am I right?

If they tackled him, it'd better be either roughing the kicker or nothing.

JRutledge Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:09pm

You are not a kicker until you kick the ball. And if the kick is in question, then you are not afforded the same protection. And in the judgment of the Referee, if the kick was in doubt, then he can be hit like a potential runner. You could have a personal foul (not RTK) if the hit was very late as well.

Honestly this is HTBT situation anyway. I have seen plays where the time of hit and the violence of the hit would matter.

Peace

ajmc Sun Oct 19, 2014 12:11pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingram (Post 941854)
Team A punting, snap goes over punter's head. Punter gathers up the ball, tucks it under his arm (still in the tackle box), runs two steps toward the sideline, then gets off a 10-harder. As the kick gets away, team B tackles him. I thinks RITK still applies. Am I right?

The result is ENTIRELY a judgment call, and could go either way depending on the judgment of the Referee. That judgment relates to ONLY that specific play.


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