Free Kick following a Fair Catch

[mantle]

When a free kick following a fair catch is awarded, can the kicker use a kickoff tee and or must there be a holder using an extra point tee? Also, where is that supported in the rule book?

[maven]

First, it's the FC that's awarded, not the free kick.

Second, it's a free kick, and it is to be kicked like any other free kick. It does not fall under the exception for safeties that permit a free kick to be punted (6-1-2), so it must be a place kick or drop kick per 2-24-5.

A tee or holder may be used for a place kick. 2-24-7

[ECILLJ]

The question about the kicking tee requires a combination of rules. 7.1.4 tells us the captain may choose to free kick after a fair catch. Rule 2.24.3 gives us the definition of a free kick and 1.3.4. gives us the definition of a kicking tee. No where in the rule book are we told that a kicking tee cannot be utilized on a free kick after a fair catch, therefore (IMO) it is legal to kick the free kick from a kicking tee or to use a holder with a kicking tee.

7.1.ART. 4 . . . The captain may choose to free kick or snap anywhere between the
hash marks on the yard line through the spot of the catch when a fair catch is
made or through the spot of interference, when a fair catch is awarded. These
choices remain if a dead-ball foul occurs prior to the down, or a foul or an
inadvertent whistle occurs during the down and the down is replayed.

2.24.ART. 3/7 . . . A free kick is any legal kick which puts the ball in play to start a freekick
down. After the ready-for-play signal and before the kick, each player other
Rule 2-25 2011 NFHS Football Rules Page 32
than the kicker and holder for a place kick must be behind his free-kick line. A free
kick is used for a kickoff, for a kick following a safety, and is used if a free kick is
chosen following a fair catch or awarded fair catch.

1.3.ART. 4 . . . A kicking tee shall be made of pliable material which elevates the
lowest point of the ball no more than 2 inches above the ground.

reference 2011 rule book

[HLinNC]

 Never mind  ECILLJ already covered it.

[prab]

R makes a fair catch at the 50 yard line.  A (formerly R) elects to put the ball in play by a snap.  On first and 10, A throws a legal, incomplete forward pass.  During the play B is flagged for 1) 5 yard face mask foul; 2) DPI.  In either situation, the penalty is accepted.

In 1 it is clear that since the down will be replayed.  Therefore, A could choose to put the ball in play via a free kick 6-5-4.

In 2) the 15 yard penalty would give A a first down because it would move the ball past the LTG.  Question is would A still have the option of putting the ball in play via a free kick?  Does the  first down gained via penalty count as a replay of the down or does the new series take away A's option to free kick?

[Ralph Damren]

An accepted live ball penalty on the play would allow A to change it's options. Prab's  #2 is an example where A choice could change from scrimmage down to free kick. This could work in the other direction, consider : (1) fair catch @ K's 35; (2) K elects to free kick; (3) kick sails thru the pipes; (4) LBPF flag on K during the kick; (5) ball moved back to 50, out of kicker's range; (6) K decides to become A and take it there with 1st & 10.

[VALJ]

Prab, enforcement of the penalty means we're still replaying the down.  So, yes, A retains the option after the DPI.

Ralph beat me to it.  And raises a good point about the foul being on the (new) K, still allowing them to have the option. 

[prab]

Thanks Ralph & VALJ!

I just wasn't sure whether what is technically a new first down due to the DPI penalty enforcement would count as a replay of the original first down for free kick option purposes.

Perhaps I was using a micrometer where a yardstick would suffice.