RE: 2024 UIL Field Goal attempt rule for contact by B players on A players
OK, what I DO know, positively, is that the elimination of the 1-second element is conscious and deliberate. The UIL wanted this rule to apply longer than one second, so they removed the one-second, but added the parts about muff and fumble. So, as it is (and was, in 2023) an upright B player can rush immediately, and without any other restriction, as long as he doesn't contact an A player, or the contact is 'slight.'
For 2024, an upright B player may not contact an A player, unless the snap has been muffed or fumbled, or it is obvious a place kick will not be attempted. However, there is ambiguity in that part of the rule. For this rule, what amount of 'muff' is required? The ball could be muffed by the holder, but, he could complete the catch before the ball hits the ground, and still successfully place the ball. How does that qualify?
What about a low snap that the holder is able to trap on the ground, but recover quickly and place the ball?
What about a high snap that the causes the holder to rise a bit to catch, but he does (no 'muff' involved), and is still able to place the ball?
What about a ball that bounces to the holder, who is able to recover immediately (no muff involved), and still place the ball?
Yes, we get the fact that the UIL is trying to get the coaches to put all of their 'rushers' in 3 or 4 point stances. Would that they would. But they won't. They'll find ways to push this envelope, and we need clear interpretations of the scenarios I described above to be able to effectively officiate this consistently.
I am seeking clarification on the scenarios.
Stay tuned.