Roughing the Kicker (Punter)

Question
I just read your response to a question about what is and is not roughing the punter.  You stated that if the kicker "tries to fake" or kicks on the run, his window of protection narrows.  As a result of the increasing use of rugby/soccer "on the run" punts, could you clarify what protection the running punter has.  I am concerned that an advantage is being shifted to the punting team if the running punter is given any protection.  How does the defending team know if he is a punter or a runner.  In fact the play might be designed to give the punter the decision to run if the opportunity presents itself, or punt if it does not.  As a defender, if I am concerned about hitting him in the act of punting, I may not be as aggressive as if he was a runner and thus give him that opportunity to gain the first down.  You can probably tell that I am of the opinion that once the kicker begins to run he should forfeit his protection as a punter.

Answer
Donald,

Thanks for the question. This applies to NCAA rules and not to the Federation rules.  One thing that may people [fans, players and some newer coaches] don't realize is that there is an offensive bias to the rules.  This is just how the game and its rules have evolved. So your comment that you are "concerned that an advantage is being shifted to the punting team" is a proper observation.  However, there was never a shift to the offensive team, it has always had it.  The rules protecting the kicker are strictly from player safety reasons not designed to create an advantage.  In 2009 the NCAA rules committee addressed the increasingly popular style of rugby kicks, by in fact shifting favor to the defensive side of the ball so the Kicker would not get an advantage by such a run/kick style.  The Federation rules are not as evolved.  Some of my past comments have been in relation to the Federation rules.


In 2005-2009 the rule was developing and the philosophies as how to officiate the rugby style kick/punt was evolving.  During that time the philosophy of the kicker's window of protection narrows as he runs with the ball during a rugby style kick.  During that time by rule he still had protection while in the act of kicking.

The punter in a rugby style kick play NEVER forfeits his protection from personal fouls.

Below is the general rule:

Roughing the Kicker
?It is a Foul if defender is legally blocked into kicker
?No foul if defender is illegally blocked into kicker
?No foul for Roughing the Kicker (or Running into Kicker) if kicker is outside tackle box (more than 5 yards wide from position where ball was snapped) [New Rule for 2009]
?If Player B1 touches the kick and Player B2 illegal contacts the kicker it is still a foul
against Team B. Only the player that touches is exempted from roughing penalties.

Below are some play examples the NCAA issued in its first bulletin on the subject to illustrate what is and what is not a foul.  I offer them to you to try to explain the rule:

Fourth and 10 at the A-10.  Kicker-A33 is in deep punt formation to receive the long snap.  (a) A33 receives the snap, carries the ball outside the tackle box and
(i) kicks the ball rugby-style on the run or
 (ii) establishes himself as a kicker and punts the ball in the normal fashion.

(b) Kicker-A33 muffs the ball which goes outside the tackle box, where he recovers, establishes himself as a kicker, and punts the ball in the normal fashion. In all cases end B80 dives and crashes into A33抯 plant leg immediately after the ball is kicked.

RULING: (a) In both (i) and (ii) there is no foul for roughing the kicker because A33 carries the ball outside the tackle box before kicking.  
(b) Foul by B80 for roughing the kicker.  A33 did not carry the ball outside the tackle box. First and 10 for Team A at the A-25. (See NCAA Rule 9-1-4-a-5-b)

Fourth and 10 at the A-10.  A33 is in deep punt formation where he receives the long snap, carries the ball outside the tackle box and kicks the ball rugby-style on the run. After the ball is away and as A33 is regaining his balance, B88 launches and drives the crown of his helmet up under A33抯 facemask.

RULING:  Not roughing the kicker.  Personal foul by B88 for targeting and initiating contact against a defenseless opponent.  First and 10 for Team A at the A-25. (See NCAA Rule9-1-4-a-5-b, 9-1-3)

From my personal notes on the subject from various conferences and clinics  from 2009, 2010 and 2011 - "Note: When the kicker carries the ball outside the tackle box as a rugby style kicker. The obvious kicker [who was standing in a usually punter's position in an obvious scrimmage kick formation] is not so obvious any more.  That Punter as he carries the ball becomes a runner, once the player (punter) with possession of the ball carries it outside the tackle box, he is clearly a runner.  He looses the special class of protection afforded to the kicker, holder against "Roughing" or "running into"; but he does not lose protection from personal fouls [Unnecessary roughness, targeting, defenseless player or late hits]. Any contact with this punter above the shoulders/neck/head should be called; any unnecessary roughness should be called, any launching or hitting with the crown of the helmet must be called.  Taking out his plant leg while in the act of rugby style kicking could be an unnecessary roughness foul as this is dangerous.  Also the player is at his most vulnerable position and is defenseless to ward off any contact.  By the same token when the Punter runs out in a rugby style kick the defense must be given an opportunity to tackle the the runner."


Here is a video link to an officiating film by the NCAA and CFO, I offer it to you as an instructional tool to help you understand the rule you ask about.  Please note that the Rugby style kick play is addressed at the 8:25 mark on the film.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/web_video/football/2009FootballRules.html

I hope this clarifies the rule for you.