In recent days I have learned from a highly reliable source (not directly from Shaw, but one in direct communication with Shaw) some things about the FCK that clears up virtually all of my questions.
1. The current FCK rule language says, “…if the FCK is unsuccessful, all rules pertaining to a scrimmage kick apply.,” which makes it sound like scrimmage kick rules don’t apply until the FCK scoring attempt becomes, officially, unsuccessful. However, the word I now have is that once the ball is kicked, the down becomes a scrimmage kick, in all respects.
2. Because it is a scrimmage kick, the kicker does NOT have the protection afforded to him with a free kick (6-1-9).
3. Because it is a scrimmage kick, ‘wedge blocking’ is allowed (unlike with a free kick - 6-1-10).
4. If, by some miracle, the kick is made from inside B’s 10-yard line, yes, B’s restraining line would still be 10 yards beyond, in B’s end zone.
Yes, that makes it simpler and easier for us. It leaves the kicker exposed to injury, but that’s not my concern, anymore, if the rules makers weren’t smart enough to keep him protected. A personal foul on the kicker does become a PSK foul, though.
So, the one time you see this in 20, 30, 40 years, you know what to do (although something will probably change in that time).
