Punter protection

M

McKbulldog

Member
This may have been asked before but here it goes. When a punter is running with the ball does he lose his protection of ruffing. Also can someone cross the line of scrimage and still punt the ball. ( I believe the rule at one time was that anyone with the ball could kick it from anywhere on the field any time they wanted).
 
 
This is quite the grey area and why so many teams have opted for the rugby style kicker. Even when running, if he kicks the ball, he is protected. It puts the defenders in quite the difficult situation because you have a punter running forward who looks like he's committed to running the ball for gain. Then he punts last second and you blast him because you couldn't stop yourself. 15 yards for roughing.
 
What even crazier if the snap hits the ground he is still protected if he punts it
Yes a player can cross the LOS and still punt the ball its legal, but seldom if ever done
 
It is not legal to punt the ball beyond the neutral zone. Rule 6-2 Article 1
You should take this question to the "Ask the Ref" thread.
 
The rule (9-4-5a) states that a defensive play shall neither run into or rough a kicker (or holder) other than when the contact is unavoidable because it's not reasonable certain that a kick will be made.

Clear as mud, isn't it? ;)

To further muddy the waters for those who haven't been properly trained, a player does not become a kicker until his knee, lower leg , or foot makes contact with the ball while he.she legally punts, drop kicks, or place kicks the ball.

The protection for the kicker begins when he kicks the ball and ends when he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance or until after a free kick, he has advanced 5 yards beyond his free-kick line or the kick has touched the ground or any other player.

As far as location of the kick in relation to the line of scrimmage, the claim that.........

ed r forshey said:
Yes a player can cross the LOS and still punt the ball its legal, but seldom if ever done
Click to expand...

Is not true.

K may punt, drop kick or place kick from in or behind the neutral zone before team possession has changed. It is not necessary to be in a scrimmage kick formation to execute a legal scrimmage kick. K may not punt, drop kick or place kick from beyond the neutral zone. R may not punt, drop kick or place kick.

Hope that helps
 
AllSports12 said:
The rule (9-4-5a) states that a defensive play shall neither run into or rough a kicker (or holder) other than when the contact is unavoidable because it's not reasonable certain that a kick will be made.

Clear as mud, isn't it? ;)

To further muddy the waters for those who haven't been properly trained, a player does not become a kicker until his knee, lower leg , or foot makes contact with the ball while he.she legally punts, drop kicks, or place kicks the ball.

The protection for the kicker begins when he kicks the ball and ends when he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance or until after a free kick, he has advanced 5 yards beyond his free-kick line or the kick has touched the ground or any other player.

As far as location of the kick in relation to the line of scrimmage, the claim that.........



Is not true.

K may punt, drop kick or place kick from in or behind the neutral zone before team possession has changed. It is not necessary to be in a scrimmage kick formation to execute a legal scrimmage kick. K may not punt, drop kick or place kick from beyond the neutral zone. R may not punt, drop kick or place kick.

Hope that helps
Click to expand...
Excellent post ?
 
I recommend Trojan for punters. They are strong enough to provide the confidence you will be safe, yet has the sheerness and sleekness to keep the sensitivity at an extremely high level.
 
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