Looking to gain some more understanding around the penalty statement around rule 1-4-5-c-1 and 2.
Rule is regarding numbers on uniforms, and reads thusly:
c-1 The jersey must have clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals measuring at least 8 and 10 inches in height front and back, respectively. The number must be of a color that itself is clearly in distinct contrast with the color of the jersey, irrespective of any border around the number.
c-2 Teams wearing jerseys/numerals that do not conform to this rule will be asked to change into legal jerseys before the game and before the start of the second half. On the kickoff at the start of each half, if a team wears a jersey in violation of the conditions specified in paragraph 1, it is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The rules themselves are straightforward, but the penalty statement is not:
PENALTY—Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards at the succeeding spot following the kickoff. If the kickoff is returned for a touchdown, the penalty is assessed either on the try or on the succeeding kickoff, at the option of the home team. [S27] In addition, Officials shall charge a team timeout at the start of each quarter the illegal jerseys are worn, or a foul for delay of the game if all timeouts have been used. (A. R. 1-4-5-I)
The referenced AR, is a scenario where A has illegal jerseys and refuses to change.
Ruling of the AR reads, in part: '...After the ball is marked ready for play for the opening kickoff, the referee charges the home team with a timeout for illegal jerseys. In addition, there will be a 15-yard penalty at the succeeding spot following the kickoff starting each half. If the kickoff is returned for a touchdown, the penalty is assessed either on the try or at the succeeding kickoff*.'
*according the rule, this would be at the option of Team A, who had the foul.
I understand that it must be succeeding spot on the opening kickoff, but why does the rule allow the home team to decide when the penalty is assessed, if they are the ones with the foul? Just seems odd. What am I missing or not understanding?
