Punter Kneeling On The Ground

[ktffan]

I know there's a rule for the field goal kicker that he can have a knee on the ground and get up once.  However, I remember they used to blow the ball dead if the punter knelt down to pick up the ball.  Is that still the case, or should the punter be down if he kneels down to receive it.

[TXMike]

It is dead IF the punter has his knee down and IF he has possession at same time.  If he is starting to grab the ball and lifts the knee before possession is gained, ball stays live.

[Diablo]

I know there's a rule for the field goal kicker that he can have a knee on the ground and get up once. 

Perhaps you mean field goal holder.  There are circumstances in which the FG holder can have possession of the ball with his knee on the ground and the ball remains live.  The holder can rise up and run or pass the ball.  The ball will be declared dead when any other player (including any kicker) has possession of the ball with this knee in contact with Earth.

[TxSkyBolt]

The holder can rise up and run or pass the ball. 

Can't he also pass from the kneeing position?

[TXMike]

If he is in the "kneeing" position he will likely be flagged for a personal foul.  But he certainly can pass (forwards or backwards) while "down" as long as there was a kicker in position at the snap.

[El Macman]

Perhaps you mean field goal holder.  There are circumstances in which the FG holder can have possession of the ball with his knee on the ground and the ball remains live.  The holder can rise up and run or pass the ball.  The ball will be declared dead when any other player (including any kicker) has possession of the ball with this knee in contact with Earth.

Does Field Turf qualify as "Earth?"   

[clearwall]

Someone watched the debacle in Ann Arbor this week...

[Diablo]

Does Field Turf qualify as "Earth?"   

Great question !!!
I think we need an official interpretation.