I know its been discussed on parts of other threads, but I don't recall a specific thread on what we can replace the free kick with.
Keep in mind several related issues:
1. How to "allow" for an onside kick type play, giving the kicking team the ability to recover;
2. Free kicks after safety
3. Start of the half
4. Coin toss options
If we eliminate the free kick and add a team option to put the ball into play some way to give them the ability to gain possession, that will likely eliminate the surprise of onside kicks when they aren't expected. This isn't a huge part of the game, but it happens. Seems to me the 4th down and 10 option, which is a really good idea, doesn't address this. Thoughts?
As far as after a safety, under current college rules, the kickoff is at the 30, new rules at the 35. If the first option of a normal kickoff replacement is to allow the opposing team to put the ball in play at their 20, is putting it in play at the 30 or 35 really equitable after a defense scored a safety? I wonder where the average starting position of a team who received a kickoff after a safety is.
Would football "feel" right without a kickoff to start the game?
Finally, what do we do with the coin toss options? 1. Take the ball at the 20; 2. Play defense first; 3. The 4th and 10 (or whatever) play; 4. Defer; 5. End of field.
Or, do we drop down to 3 and say, take the ball, end of field, and defer? Seems to me, that may be a better idea. The more options, the more confusion.
Add other issues and discuss as you see fit.
