Indian Nations Youth Sports

Football => "Ask the Ref" => Topic started by: guest896 on August 31, 2016, 01:30:04 pm

Title: kickoff return
Post by: guest896 on August 31, 2016, 01:30:04 pm

IN SEVENTH GRADE IF A PLAYER RECEIVES THE KICKOFF AT THE ONE AND STEPS BACK IN THE END ZONE WHAT ARE THE RULES.  DOES HE HAVE TO RETURN OR TAKE A KNEE FOR TOUCHBACK?

Title: Re: kickoff return
Post by: CoachEmUp" on August 31, 2016, 02:00:01 pm

It depends did his momentum carry him into the end zone. Or did he catch it at the 1 and retreat.

Title: Re: kickoff return
Post by: guest264 on August 31, 2016, 03:08:34 pm

In either scenario there will be no touchback. Because the ball is caught on the one yard line in the field of play, it must be advanced. Stepping back into the end zone and taking a knee would result in a safety for the defense. A momentum exception would apply if the ball carrier's momentum takes him into the end zone and he is downed there, it would be first and 10 from the one yard line.

Title: Re: kickoff return
Post by: Director of Officials on September 01, 2016, 12:03:58 am

If it happened as you said, it would be a safety if it was not his momentum that took him into the end zone.  Another option could have been the official ruled the ball crossed the plane of the goal line as he was catching it?  Then it would be a touch back in Federation rules.
I am just impressed you have a 7th grader that can kick it to the end zone on a kickoff!   
If you want me to ask the official what he had, please PM me the field location and game time.
Thanks!