Kickoff

[ElvisLives]

Hey, is a punt allowed on a kickoff in NFHS? (Not talking about a free kick after a safety, but a kickoff.)

[SCHSref]

No. However, you may drop kick it

[ElvisLives]

No. However, you may drop kick it

Thank you.

[Ralph Damren]

While a punt can be used after a safety, the kicker needs to be within one step of K's free kick line. WHO KNIWS WHY ?

[Ralph Damren]

While a punt can be used after a safety, the kicker needs to be within one step of K's free kick line. WHO KNIWS WHY ?

WHY : Players can enter the neutral zone at the time of the kick. If this wasn't the rule, the punter could kick 'a grounder' from his own 5, allowinmg his teammates to get to K's 30 before the ball in an attempt to recover.
                                            .......AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY 

[ncwingman]

While a punt can be used after a safety, the kicker needs to be within one step of K's free kick line. WHO KNIWS WHY ?

Also important to note that this is only true *when the ball is kicked*. The punter is allowed to take a few lead up steps before kicking (like a normal place kicker can run up to the ball).

I had to explain that to an irate coach a few years ago because he insisted the other team's punter had to be standing still prior to the free kick.

[sj]

Here's one that a special teams coach came up with. For a safety kick he wanted to use the rugby style of punt. So the punter would start at the 15 yard line in the middle of the field and end up kicking several yards to the right of the lateral spot where he started. We told him no because it would be similar to putting the ball on the tee and then after the ready for play picking it up and moving it to another spot. Our supervisor backed it up.

[refjeff]

Here's one that a special teams coach came up with. For a safety kick he wanted to use the rugby style of punt. So the punter would start at the 15 yard line in the middle of the field and end up kicking several yards to the right of the lateral spot where he started. We told him no because it would be similar to putting the ball on the tee and then after the ready for play picking it up and moving it to another spot. Our supervisor backed it up.

Rugby style is a legal punt, and K can choose to punt after a safety. So I would absolutely allow it.  2-37.

[refjeff]

Also important to note that this is only true *when the ball is kicked*. The punter is allowed to take a few lead up steps before kicking (like a normal place kicker can run up to the ball).

I had to explain that to an irate coach a few years ago because he insisted the other team's punter had to be standing still prior to the free kick.

I had to explain this to another official a few weeks ago, and K can take any number of steps he wants.

[Fatso]

Here's one that a special teams coach came up with. For a safety kick he wanted to use the rugby style of punt. So the punter would start at the 15 yard line in the middle of the field and end up kicking several yards to the right of the lateral spot where he started. We told him no because it would be similar to putting the ball on the tee and then after the ready for play picking it up and moving it to another spot. Our supervisor backed it up.

A kicker using a tee usually starts a few yards laterally to the side of the ball and runs up on an angle.  I don't see why a rugby punt would be any different.  I realize the ball is stationary on the tee, but what advantage is K gaining that would require disallowing the rugby punt?

[NVFOA_Ump]

Already answered.  A rugby style kick is without question legal following a safety.

Rugby style is a legal punt, and K can choose to punt after a safety. So I would absolutely allow it.  2-37.