Scrimmage Kicks

Question 1

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT OVER CENTER—PUNT
Fourth-and-10 on A20. Team A lines up in a standard punt formation, with B1 on the line of scrimmage and directly
over snapper A2. The ball is snapped to punter A1. (a) A1 muffs the snap, picks up the ball and runs to the A23
where he is downed; or (b) A1 shanks the punt out of bounds at the 50.

Answer 1

Rulings: (a) and (b) Fourth-and-5 on A25. Illegal formation. The foul happens at the snap, due to the standard punt
formation, and the ball does not need to be kicked. See 9-1-3, Item 1.

Question 2

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT OVER CENTER—FIELD GOAL OR TRY ATTEMPT
Fourth-and 5 on B25. Team A lines up in a standard field-goal formation with B1 in a two-point stance directly over
snapper A2. Before the snap, he takes a step back so that he is more than a yard off the line of scrimmage, but his
feet are still even with the back foot of B3, who is in a three-point stance on the line of scrimmage. The kick is good.

Answer 2

Ruling: Team A is awarded 3 points, KO A35. The defensive formation is legal, because the defender over the
center is more than a yard off the line of scrimmage at the snap. See 9-1-3, Item 2.

Question 3

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT—FIELD GOAL
Fourth-and-10 on B25. A1’s field-goal attempt from the B33 is wide right. At the snap Team B: (a) had seven men
on the line of scrimmage to the left of the snapper, but only six rushed; or (b) had six men on the line of scrimmage
to the left of the snapper. In both (a) and (b), Team A was lined up in a standard field-goal formation.

Answer 3

Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, fourth-and-5 on B20. Illegal formation. Team B cannot have more than six players on the line on either
side of the snapper at the snap when Team A presents a standard field goal formation, regardless of how many
players rush the kicker.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B33. No foul.

Question 4

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT—MOTION OR SHIFT
Fourth-and-5 on A25. Team A initially lines up in a standard punt formation and all 11 players come set. After setting
up 7 yards deep, personal protector A2 steps 3 yards forward to call signals, and then returns to a position 7 yards
deep before the ball is snapped. B1 is lined up on the line of scrimmage directly over center A3. Punter A1 shanks
the punt out of bounds at the A45.

Answer 4

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. On scrimmage kicks, motion or a shift by Team A removes the prohibition on
Team B against covering the center. It is a shift, if the personal protector moves both feet, after all 11 offensive
players have come set for a full second.

Question 5

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT—UNBALANCED FIELD-GOAL FORMATION
Fourth-and-5 on B25. Team A lines up in an unbalanced field-goal formation with 2 tackles on the right side. B3 is
originally lined up over guard A6, but just before the snap he slides over and covers up the snapper. The kick from
the B33 is wide left.

Answer 5

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B33. If Team A does not present a standard field goal formation (an equal number
of players on either side of the snapper, in a tight formation), it removes the restrictions on Team B relating to
covering the center.

Question 6

DEFENSE PUSHING TEAMMATES—PUNT/FIELD GOAL/TRY FORMATION
Fourth-and-10 on B32. (a) A1’s field-goal attempt from the B40 is missed; or (b) A1’s punt goes out of bounds at the
B15. At the snap, B1 and B2, who are both in two-point stances, push linemen B4 and B8 into the offensive formation.

Answer 6

Rulings: (a) and (b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B17. Unnecessary roughness. Team B players cannot push teammates
into the offensive formation when Team A is lined up for a punt, field goal, or kick-Try attempt. The enforcement is
from the previous spot and an automatic first down. This is a foul because of the kick formation, and the ball does
not have to be kicked.

Question 7

OFFENSIVE HOLDING—PUNT
Fourth-and-5 on A45. At the snap, B2 rushes Punter A1 and is pulled down by personal protector A3: (a) just before
the ball is kicked; or (b) just after the ball has been kicked and is beyond B2. The ball is fielded by B3 at the B9-yard
line where he is immediately tackled.

Answer 7

Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, fourth-and-15 on A35, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B19. Foul for offensive holding.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B9. No foul for offensive holding because the ball has been kicked.

Question 8

BOUNCES IN END ZONE AND OUT OF BOUNDS IN FIELD OF PLAY
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed by B2 on the B5, where it bounces into the end zone and rebounds out
to the B3-yard line, where it goes out of bounds.

Answer 8

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3.

Question 9

BOUNCES IN END ZONE AND REBOUNDS TO FIELD OF PLAY—RECOVERED BY TEAM B
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed by B2 on the B5, where it bounces into the end zone and rebounds back
into the field of play, where B4 recovers on the B2.

Answer 9

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2.

Question 10

BOUNCES INTO END ZONE WHERE TEAM B RECOVERS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed by B2 on the B5. It bounces into the end zone, where B2 recovers.

Answer 10

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback.

Question 11

BOUNCES INTO END ZONE WHERE TEAM A RECOVERS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed by B2 on the B5. It bounces into the end zone, where A4 recovers.

Answer 11

Ruling: Touchdown Team A. Kickoff A35.

Question 12

BOUNCES INTO END ZONE AND TEAM B RUNS IT OUT
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed by B2 on the B5. It bounces into the end zone, where B2 recovers and
runs it out to the B15.

Answer 12

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15.

Question 13

REBOUNDS BACK INTO FIELD OF PLAY AND OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed in flight by B2 in the end zone, and before touching anyone else, it
rebounds back into the field of play and goes out of bounds at the B5.

Answer 13

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5.

Question 14

REBOUNDS BACK INTO FIELD OF PLAY—TEAM A RECOVERS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt is muffed in flight by B2 in the end zone, and before touching anyone, it rebounds
back into the field of play, where A4 recovers on the B5.

Answer 14

Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-goal on B5.

Question 15

TEAM B FALLS ON BALL
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The punt hits in the end zone and rebounds to the B5 where B2 falls on it and is downed.

Answer 15

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. The ball is dead when it hits in the end zone, untouched by Team B.

Question 16

TEAM A BATS PUNT BACKWARD WHILE TOUCHING IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The airborne punt is batted back into the field of play from the end zone by A5, while he is
contacting the ground in the end zone. B2 recovers at the B5 and runs to the B25.

Answer 16

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback. The ball is dead when it is touched by the Team A player in the
end zone, as it has not previously been touched by Team B.

Question 17

TEAM A FIRST TOUCHES IN FIELD OF PLAY AND BALL GOES OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A4 touches the punt at the B5, and the ball then goes out of bounds at the B4.

Answer 17

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5, the spot of A’s first touching.

Question 18

TEAM A FIRST TOUCHES IN FIELD OF PLAY AND TEAM B RECOVERS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A4 touches the punt in the field of play at the B10, and B2 recovers the ball at the B4.

Answer 18

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10, the spot of A’s first touching.

Question 19

TEAM A BATS BALL FROM END ZONE OUT OF BOUNDS INSIDE PYLON
Fourth-and-5 on A45. The punt bounces from the field of play into the end zone but is still airborne and has not
touched in the end zone. A1 leaps from the B1 and bats the ball back across the goal line. The batted ball crosses
the goal line inside the pylon, crosses the sideline in flight at the B2, and first hits the ground out of bounds at the B3
(extended)

Answer 19

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2 (the spot where the ball crossed over the sideline prior to hitting out of bounds).
The spot of the first touching is the B1 (the spot where A1 left his feet prior to batting the ball).

Question 20

TEAM A BATS BALL FROM END ZONE OUT OF BOUNDS OUTSIDE PYLON
Fourth-and-5 on A45. The punt bounces from the field of play into the end zone but is still airborne and has not
touched in the end zone. A1 leaps from the B1 and bats the ball back across the goal line (extended). The batted
ball crosses the sideline in the end zone (and the goal line extended, outside the pylon), and first hits the ground out
of bounds at the B2 (extended).

Answer 20

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback since the ball was outside the pylon before hitting out of bounds.
(11-6-1)

Question 21

FIRST TOUCH—LAST PLAY OF PERIOD
Fourth-and-16 on A8. On the last play of the half, punter A1 gets off a poor punt, and A2 first touches the ball at the
A30. B1 picks it up and runs to the A4 where he fumbles and A3 recovers in the end zone.

Answer 21

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A30. B may choose to extend the period at the spot of the first touch by A2, whether
B1 fumbled or not.

Question 22

FIRST TOUCH—RECOVERY AND FUMBLE BY TEAM B
Fourth-and-5 on A30. A1’s punt bounces at the B48 and then is first touched by A2 at the B46. The ball rolls to the
B40 where B1 picks it up and runs to the 50, fumbles, and A2 recovers.

Answer 22

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B46, the spot of the first touch violation.

Question 23

FIRST TOUCH—FOUL BY TEAM B DURING RETURN—FUMBLE
Fourth-and-10 on A48. A2 is the first to touch A1’s punt at the B14. The ball rolls to the B10, where B1 picks it up,
runs to the 50, fumbles, and A3 recovers there. (a) During B1’s run, B2 clipped on the B40, or (b) B2 held on the
B35.

Answer 23

Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. The personal foul by B2 can be carried over the fumble and enforced from the
dead ball spot, (personal foul prior to an interception, or prior to the recovery of a fumble or backward pass).
The enforcement of that foul eliminates the spot of first touching.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B14. When Team A declines the Team B holding foul, Team B can take the ball at the
spot of the first touching. If Team A accepted the Team B holding penalty, it would be enforced from the B35,
resulting in B’s ball at the B25.

Question 24

TEAM B FOUL—BATTING/KICKING BALL INTO OPPONENT—RECOVERY BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-10 on B40. While the punt is in the air, B1 blocks A3 in the back or holds A3 at the B20. The punt lands
at the B10 where, (a) A2 intentionally bats the ball backward into receiver B1, or (b) A2 kicks the ball into receiver
B1. A3 then recovers at the B12.

Answer 24

Ruling:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. Since A2 batted the ball into B1, B1 is deemed not to have touched the kick, so it is
Team B’s ball at the end of the down. The post possession foul for holding or blocking in the back would be
enforced from where the kick ended at the B12.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6, or fourth-and-10 on B40. This is a double foul with a change of possession. B1 is
deemed not to have touched the ball, because it was kicked into him, so it is Team B’s ball at the end of the
down. The post possession foul for the holding or block in the back combines with the illegal kicking foul to
create a double foul with a change of possession, which gives B the option of also replaying the down on a kick
play

Question 25

ILLEGAL TOUCH—PLAYER FROM OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1’s punt is rolling, (a) at the B6, where A2 recovers and downs it; or (b) at the B4, where A2
recovers and downs it; or (c) at the B4, where it is recovered by A2 and carried into the end zone. A2 had been
legally blocked out of bounds at the B40 but returned immediately inbounds.

Answer 25

Rulings:
(a) Fourth-and-15 on A45, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B11. The illegal touching can be enforced from the previous
spot or the dead ball spot.
(b) Fourth-and-15 on A45, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. The illegal touching inside the five-yard line by a player
who had been out of bounds gives Team B the additional option of a touchback.
(c) Fourth-and-15 on A45, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. The result of the play is a touchback, so the five-yard
penalty can be tacked on from the B20.

Question 26

FIRST TOUCH—PLAYER FROM OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1 punts the ball deep to B3 at the 10-yard line. B3 lets the ball go, and flyer A2 bats the ball
at the B1 back to the B5. As the ball is rolling at the B5, A3 who had been legally blocked out of bounds, comes in
and re-establishes himself, and then falls on the ball at the B5

Answer 26

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. Team B takes the ball at the most advantageous spot of first touching. The touch
by A3, while a first touch, is not a foul, because the ball has previously been touched by another player (A or B on
scrimmage kick plays).

Question 27

MULTIPLE ILLEGAL TOUCH SPOTS—PLAYER FROM OUT OF BOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on 50. Gunner A2 is legally blocked out of bounds as he covers the punt, but A2 re-establishes
inbounds and is then the first to touch the rolling punt at the B16. The punt continues to roll toward the goal line
untouched by anyone else, until A2 downs the ball on the B4.

Answer 27

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20, or fourth-and-15 on A45. Multiple fouls by A2. Team B can take the ball at the
spot of the first illegal touch (B16), enforce the five-yard penalty from the dead-ball spot (also the spot of A2’s second
touching), enforce the five-yard penalty at the previous spot and replay the down, or take a touchback due to the
touching inside the 5-yard line. There is no option to enforce the five-yard penalty from the first illegal touch spot
(B16), because that was not the dead-ball spot.

Question 28

FIRST TOUCH—POSSESSION BY TEAM A—RELEASES BALL
Fourth-and-8 on B48. The punted ball comes down at the B4-yard line, where A2 catches it and his momentum
carries him into the end zone; however, he releases the ball at the B1-yard line, but the ball rolls into the end zone.
No Team B player could have caught the ball.

Answer 28

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B4. The play becomes dead as soon as A2 releases the ball in his possession.
Because he releases it prior to touching in the end zone with possession, Team B will next snap at the spot A2 first
touches the ball, which is also the dead ball spot in this case. It is irrelevant where the ball lands after he releases
the ball.

Question 29

FIRST TOUCH—NO POSSESSION BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-8 on B48. A1 punts the ball high in the air. Teammate A2 controls the airborne punt at the B15, takes
two steps, and then loses control of the ball before establishing possession. The ball goes out of bounds through the
end zone.

Answer 29

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. A punted ball is dead when the kickers catch or recover a kick beyond the line
of scrimmage (9-3-2). If a kicking team player loses control before completing possession (3-2-7), the ball remains
loose.

Question 30

MULTIPLE FIRST TOUCH SPOTS—POSSESSION BY TEAM A—RELEASES BALL
Fourth-and-8 on B48. The punted ball is bouncing at the B8-yard line, where A2 tries to recover it in full stride, but
muffs it toward the goal line. He then possesses it at the B4-yard line and his momentum carries him into the end
zone; however, he releases the ball at the B1-yard line, and the ball rolls into the end zone

Answer 30

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. The play becomes dead as soon as A2 releases the ball in his possession.
Because he releases it prior to touching in the end zone with possession, the dead ball spot is where A2 first
possesses it, the B4. Team B will take the ball at the spot A2 first touches the ball, the B8.

Question 31

FIRST TOUCH—TEAM A PLAYER KEEPS TEAMMATE OUT OF END ZONE
Fourth-and-4 on 50. A1 punts the ball and A2 and A3 run downfield to cover it before it goes into the end zone. A2
recovers the ball at the B4, and his momentum takes him toward the goal line. A3, while his foot is in the end zone,
grabs his teammate A2 and prevents him from going into the end zone or touching the goal line.

Answer 31

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B4. It is not a foul for a Team A player preventing a teammate from carrying a punt
into Team B’s end zone.

Question 32

TEAM A RECOVERS BALL AND CARRIES IT INTO END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on B40. After a punt, the ball bounces on the B8 and rolls to the B4, where A2 picks it up and runs
the ball into the end zone.

Answer 32

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback.

Question 33

TEAM A RECOVERS BALL AND CARRIES IT INTO END ZONE—FOUL BY A OR B
Fourth-and-10 on A45. A1 first touches and recovers the punt on the B4 and carries it into the end zone. Before A1
reaches the goal line: (a) A2 clips on B6; or (b) B1 clips on B6.

Answer 33

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. The clip is enforced from the succeeding spot, which is the B20.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. Spot of the clip is inside B’s 20-yard line so the penalty is enforced from the spot of
the foul.

Question 34

IMPETUS—TEAM A BLOCKS TEAM B INTO BALL
Fourth-and-10 on 50. The punted ball rolls to the B6. B1 steps aside and makes no attempt to field the ball. A2 blocks
passive B1 into the ball, and the ball: (a) rolls over the end line; or (b) rolls to the B3 where A4 recovers.

Answer 34

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback. The impetus is attributed to the block by A2.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B3. A passive player blocked into a loose ball is deemed not to have touched it.

Note: If the punt is nearly at rest, and no Team B player is attempting to recover it, the Back Judge should blow it
dead. If the ball is still alive, though, and a player blocks a passive opponent into the ball, sending the ball into the
end zone, the impetus changes from the kick, fumble, or backward pass, and the new impetus is attributed to the
blocking player. Furthermore, the touching by the passive opponent who was blocked into the ball is ignored.

Question 35

TEAM A IMPETUS—B BATS KICK IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-5 on B45. A’s punt is muffed at the B8 by B1 (no new impetus). The punt goes into B’s end zone, where
there is a scramble for the ball. B2 bats the ball in the end zone backward over the end line.

Answer 35

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Illegal bat, but since A’s impetus put the ball in the end zone, and Team B did
not run with the ball, enforcement is from B’s 20-yard line. This is a post-possession foul, and the end of the kick is
the touchback spot.

Question 36

POST-POSSESSION FOUL IN TEAM B END ZONE—NO RETURN
Fourth-and-3 on A45. A1’s punt is muffed by B1 at the B5 yard line, and as the ball continues to roll toward the
sideline, B2 grabs A2 in the end zone, to prevent A2 from recovering the loose ball. (B2 is not making a personal
attempt to recover.) The ball rolls out of bounds at the B2.

Answer 36

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B1. Since Team B fouled in their end zone but did not run with the ball, the spot of
the foul is deemed to be the B20. Therefore, this post-possession foul is enforced from the end of the kick, (the B2),
as that is the least advantageous spot for Team B.

Question 37

POST-POSSESSION—TEAM B FOUL IN FIELD OF PLAY—TOUCHBACK
Fourth-and-8 on A40. A1 punts. During the punt, B2 blocks low at the B8. The punted ball goes over the end line

Answer 37

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B4. Since there was no return, it is considered a touchback, and the penalty is
enforced from the spot of B’s foul if that spot is inside the 20-yard line. (3-38)

Question 38

POST-POSSESSION—FOUL IN TEAM B END ZONE—TEAM B RETURN
Fourth-and-2 on B45. A1 punts, and B1 catches the ball on the B5 and returns to the B22. During the punt, B2 clips
in the end zone

Answer 38

Ruling: Safety. Safety kick B20. Post-possession foul with a return. Because Team B ran with the ball and the foul
occurred in the end zone, the enforcement is a safety. If Team B had not run with the ball, enforcement would be
from the end of the kick, to the B2½

Question 39

NOT POST-POSSESSION—TEAM A FIRST TOUCHES BUT IN POSSESSION AT END OF DOWN
Fourth-and-5 on A20. B1 clips A2 at the B45 while the punt is in the air. The ball bounces and touches A1’s foot at
the B36. B1 then muffs it, and A3 falls on the ball at the B30.

Answer 39

Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Since Team B does not have possession of the ball at the end of the down,
this is not a post-possession foul. Because the opponent has possession of the ball at the end of the down, the CLP
can be enforced from the dead-ball spot, and enforcement of the foul negates the first touch violation.

Question 40

TEAM A FOULS DURING KICK—B TOUCHES PUNT—RECOVERED BY A
Fourth-and-16 on B38. B1 gives a valid fair-catch signal at the B8, steps aside, and the ball bounces at the B8,
where it touches B1’s foot and rolls toward the sideline near the B2. A2 blocks B1 low, and A3 picks up the ball at
the B2 and runs into the end zone.

Answer 40

Ruling: Fourth-and-31 on A47. Previous spot enforcement. If Team B had not lost possession, the low block could
also be enforced from the dead ball spot.

Question 41

NOT POST-POSSESSION—TEAM B LOSES POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on B45. While the punt is in the air, B2 pulls A2 down by the facemask at the B20. B1 fields the punt
at the B10, but he fumbles at the B26 where the ball is recovered by A3.

Answer 41

Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B13. This is not a post-possession foul, and the opponent has possession at the
end of the down, so the FMM can be enforced from the dead-ball spot.

Question 42

NOT POST-POSSESSION—TEAM B LOSES POSSESSION AFTER THE KICK
Fourth-and-12 on A38. During the punt, B1 holds A1 at the B45. B2 fields the punt at the B10 and returns it to the
B15 where he fumbles. A2 scoops up the ball there and runs to the B5 where he fumbles. B2 recovers and is
ultimately tackled at the B45.

Answer 42

Ruling: A’s ball, fourth-and-2 on A48. This is not a post-possession foul, as Team B lost possession at one point
during the down. The ball is returned to Team A, and the holding foul is a 10-yard penalty (with no automatic first
down) because it occurred during a kick that went beyond the line (9-1-4(d)).

Question 43

PUNT OVER AND BACK—TOUCHED BY TEAM B—RECOVERED BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-12 on A20. B1 partially blocks the punt and the ball bounces to the A22 where B2 attempts to recover
but muffs the ball to the A18 where A2 picks up the ball, runs, and is tackled at the A25

Answer 43

Rulings: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A25. Team B touched the ball beyond the line of scrimmage.

Question 44

PUNT OVER AND BACK—SIMULTANEOUS RECOVERY
Fourth-and-5 on 50. B1 partially blocks the punt. The ball rolls to the B48 where it hits B2’s leg and rolls back to the
A48 where A1 and B1 fall on it.

Answer 44

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A48. The simultaneous recovery of a legal kick by eligible opposing players belongs
to the receivers.

Question 45

PUNT OVER AND BACK—UNTOUCHED BEYOND LINE
Fourth-and-10 on A25. A1’s punt is partially blocked, hits on the A28, and then bounces back to the A22, untouched
beyond the line. A2 recovers at the A22 and he: (a) is downed there; (b) runs with the ball to the A33; (c) runs with
the ball to the A36; or (d) throws a pass from the A22, which is complete to A3 at the 50.

Answer 45

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A22. If Team A recovers and does not advance, Team B gets the ball at the spot of
recovery.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A33. If Team A recovers and advances, but does not reach the line to gain, Team B
gets the ball at the dead ball spot.
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A36. If Team A recovers and advances beyond the line to gain, A has a first down.
(d) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A20. Illegal pass, as the ball has been beyond the line. The penalty is five yards from
the previous spot and a loss of down.

Question 46

PUNT OVER AND BACK—TOUCHED BEYOND LINE BY TEAM A
Fourth-and-8 on A15. A1’s punt is blocked and goes to the A17 where the ball deflects off A4’s leg and rolls to the
A14. Back A3 recovers the ball at the A13 and runs to the 50, where he fumbles the ball. B8 recovers the ball at the
B48 and runs for a touchdown.

Answer 46

Ruling: Touchdown Team B. Kickoff B35. If there was not an accepted penalty, or if Team B lost possession during
its run, it could still take the ball at the A17 due to the first touch by A4.

Question 47

ILLEGAL FORMATION BY TEAM A—BLOCKED PUNT AND FORWARD PASS
Fourth-and-9 on A10. Team A is in an illegal formation at the snap. A1’s punt is partially blocked and goes to the
A13 where it rebounds, untouched, to the A8. A1 recovers the loose ball at the A8 and throws a pass to A2 at the
A15. A2 catches the ball and is tackled at the A16.

Answer 47

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-goal on A5. Illegal pass, as the ball has been beyond the line. The penalty is five yards
from the previous spot and a loss of down. The penalty for illegal formation is declined.

Question 48

FIELD GOAL OVER AND BACK—UNTOUCHED BEYOND LINE
Fourth-and-10 on B25. A1’s field-goal attempt from the B33 is partially blocked, hits on the B22, and then bounces
back to the B27, untouched by anyone beyond the line. The ball is recovered at the B27 and (a) A2 or B2 downs it
there; (b) A2 runs with the ball to the B17; (c) A2 runs with the ball to the B14; d) A2 throws a pass from the B27,
which is complete to A3 at the B10; or (e) B2 runs with the ball to the B31.

Answer 48

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B27. The kick ended behind the line of scrimmage, so there is no “spot of kick” option.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B17. The kick ended behind the line of scrimmage, so there is no “spot of kick” option.
Since A2 legally advanced the untouched kick recovered behind the line, his advance is legal, and Team B
takes over on downs at the dead ball spot.
57
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B14. The kick ended behind the line of scrimmage, so there is no “spot of kick” option.
Since A2 legally advanced the untouched kick recovered behind the line, his advance is legal. A2 reached the
line to gain, so it is a first down for Team A.
(d) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. Illegal forward pass, as the ball has been beyond the line. The penalty is five yards
from the previous spot and a loss of down. The kick ended behind the line of scrimmage, so there is no “spot of
kick” option.
(e) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B31. The kick ended behind the line of scrimmage, so there is no “spot of kick” option.
Team B keeps the ball at the dead ball spot.

Note: Team B does not have the option to take the ball at the spot of the kick if: (1) B touches the ball beyond the
line of scrimmage; (2) the kick ends behind the line; or (3) a Team B foul during the play is accepted.

Question 49

FAIR CATCH—EXTEND PERIOD FOR FAIR-CATCH KICK/SNAP
Fourth-and-10 on A6. The score is 28-26 in favor of Team A. On the last play of the game, a partially blocked punt
goes to the A28 where B1 gives a valid fair-catch signal. No time remains on the clock. (a) B1 catches it on the A28;
(b) A4 interferes on the A28, and the ball is then caught by B1; or (c) B1 muffs the ball on the A28 and it rolls out of
bounds on A30

Answer 49

Rulings:
(a) The only option is a fair-catch kick on A28. Extend period.
(b) Fair-catch kick or snap at the A14. Fair-catch interference. Extend period.
(c) Game over. The fair catch was not completed.

Question 50

NO FAIR CATCH—NO EXTENSION
Fourth-and-5 on A10. There are four seconds remaining in the game, and the score is tied. B1 gives a valid faircatch signal at the A35. The wind carries the ball to B2 who did not signal. B2 catches the ball on the A30 as time
runs out.

Answer 50

Ruling: Go to overtime. The ball is dead when caught by B2, and there is no extension.

Question 51

FAIR-CATCH INTERFERENCE—OPTION TO EXTEND PERIOD
Fourth-and-10 on A12. On the last play of the half, B1 signals for a fair catch at the 50. A1 tackles B1 before the ball
arrives. The ball hits A1 in the back and rebounds to the A28 where: (a) B2 recovers; or (b) A2 recovers.

Answer 51

Rulings: In both (a) and (b), Fair Catch Interference. Team B has the option of enforcing the FCI from the dead-ball
spot (A28) and extending the period with a snap from the A14 (see 14-2-4), or enforcing the FCI from the spot of the
awarded fair catch (50) and extending the period with a fair-catch kick from the A35 (snap would also be an option
from the A35, but Team B would never choose that option)

Question 52

INTERFERENCE WITH OPPORTUNITY—NO SIGNAL
Fourth-and-7 on A11. With five seconds remaining in a tied game, B1 does not give a fair catch signal, and A2
contacts B1 at the A35 prior to B1 catching the ball. B1 is downed at the A35 as time expires.

Answer 52

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A20. Extend for a scrimmage play only.

Question 53

BLOCK IN BACK BY PUNTING TEAM—PUNT IN AIR OR ON THE GROUND
Fourth-and-10 on 50. As A2 is running downfield after a punt, he pushes B2 in the back at the B40, as B2 is running
downfield. The block happens: (a) while the kick is still in flight; (b) while the ball is rolling on the ground at the B10;
or (c) after B3 has picked up the punt and is running with the ball at the B20. B3 is tackled at the B30.

Answer 53

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40 (or re-kick from A40). This foul can be tacked on to the end of the return, or it can
be enforced at the previous spot. This is a 10-yard penalty.
(b) and (c) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. No foul.

Note: The prohibition against a kicking team player blocking in the back applies while the ball is in flight, during all
scrimmage kicks and free kicks.

Question 54

DOUBLE PUNT—BEHIND LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
Fourth-and-5 on A30. A2’s punt is blocked and the ball rolls to the A16. A2 picks it up there and punts it again at the
A30 with his body at or behind the A30 and his kicking foot and the ball just beyond the A30. The ball goes out of
bounds at the B40.

Answer 54

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Legal punt because the kicker’s entire body and the ball were not beyond the
line of scrimmage.

Question 55

BLOCKED PUNT—SECOND PUNT—INELIGIBLES DOWNFIELD
Fourth-and-10 on A30. At the snap, A1 and A2 release legally to go downfield. The punt is blocked behind the line
of scrimmage. The blocked punt never crosses the line of scrimmage, and it is picked back up by the punter and
punted again. Prior to the second punt, several Team A players had gone downfield and are downfield at the time
of the second punt. The punted ball goes out of bounds untouched at the B10.

Answer 55

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. It is legal for all Team A players to go downfield after the first punt.

Question 56

PUNT—PLAYER DOWNFIELD—NOT WIDEST MAN
Fourth-and-5 on A30. Back A2 goes in motion and is outside his tight end A3 by two yards when the ball is snapped.
A3 goes downfield at the snap before the ball is kicked. B1 catches the punt at the B40, runs to the A10, is tackled,
fumbles, and A4 recovers there.

Answer 56

Ruling: Fourth-and-10 on A25. A3 is not eligible to go downfield before the ball is kicked. There is no option to
enforce the foul from the dead-ball spot, because Team B lost the ball. (9-1-2)

Question 57

TEAM A FOULS AT SNAP—ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. At the snap, tackle A3 is not on the line of scrimmage. B2 returns the punt to the B20

Answer 57

Ruling: Fourth-and-15 on A35, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. Team B has the option to enforce from the previous
spot or the succeeding spot.

Note: All fouls by Team A prior to the receiving team securing possession include the option to enforce from the
previous spot or the dead-ball spot, provided that the receiving team does not lose possession.

Question 58

TEAM A OR B FOUL DURING PUNT
Fourth-and-10 on B40. While the punt is in the air, (a) at the B36, A2 grabs B2, who was attempting to block him,
pulls him aside, and continues downfield to cover the punt; or (b) A2 pulls B2 backward at the B36, in a slingshot
manner to propel himself downfield, or (c) B3 grabs A3 and pulls him to the ground at the B36. The punt rolls into
the end zone for a touchback.

Answer 58

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback. Not a foul. A kicking team player can use hands/arms to shed a block.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30, or fourth-and-20 on 50. The holding penalty by Team A is enforced from the dead
ball spot (B20), or the previous spot. See 9-1-4.
(c) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. The post possession foul is enforced from the end of the kick, the B20. See 9-1-4.

Question 59

TEAM A FOULS DURING PUNT—DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A2 pulls B2 down by the facemask as A1 punts the ball. The ball is fielded at the B10 by B1,
who runs to the B20 where he fumbles. A2 recovers at the B20 and runs to the B15 where he fumbles. B2 recovers
and is tackled at the B12.

Answer 59

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B27, or fourth-and-25 on A35. Because the opponent has possession at the end of
the down, the FMM can be enforced from either the previous spot or the dead-ball spot.

Question 60

PUNT TOUCHED BY TEAM A PLAYER OUT OF BOUNDS IN END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. The punt is bouncing toward the pylon. A1 steps on the sideline at the B1 and then dives for
the ball, which is still airborne one yard in the end zone and bats it back to the B2. A2 recovers and falls to the ground
at the B3.

Answer 60

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback. The ball is dead at its most forward point at the time it is touched
by someone or something that is out of bounds. Since A1 did not re-establish inbounds, the ball is dead when A1
touches it. Since the ball is in the end zone at that point, the ball is dead in the end zone, resulting in a touchback.
This is not a foul for A1 being out of bounds voluntarily, because he was not attempting to avoid a block; and it is not
an illegal touch, because A1 is still an out of bounds player.

Question 61

TEAM B SUBSTITUTES ENTER FIELD DURING PUNT PLAY—MULTIPLE TEAM B FOULS
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1 punts the ball to the B10 where B2 picks up the ball and returns it to the B40. (a) While the
ball was rolling at the B10 (before B2 picked it up); or (b) during the return, substitutes from Team B came onto the
field at the B30, thinking the play was over, and then returned to the bench area without interfering in the play. During
B2’s return, B3 blocks A4 in the back at the B26.

Answer 61

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. Multiple fouls by Team B. The illegal substitution would be a post-possession foul
enforced from the B10 to the B5. The block in the back would be enforced from the B26 to the B16. (14-1-3)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B16. Multiple fouls by Team B. The illegal substitution occurs during the return and
would, therefore, be enforced from the spot of the foul (B30), five yards. The block in the back would be enforced
from the B26. (14-1-3)

Question 62

TEAM A SUBSTITUTES ENTER FIELD DURING PUNT PLAY—DOUBLE FOULS
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1 punts the ball to the B10 where B2 picks up the ball and returns it to the B40. (a) While the
ball was rolling loose at the B10 (before B2 picked it up); or (b) during the return, substitutes from Team A came
onto the field at the B35, thinking the play was over, and then returned to the bench area without interfering in the
play. During B2’s return, B3 blocks A4 in the back at the B26.

Answer 62

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B16, or fourth-and-10 on 50. Double foul with a change of possession. (14-5-2)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B26. Double foul after a change of possession. The enforcement spot for double fouls
after a change of possession is the spot where B’s foul would be enforced if it was the only foul. Here, that is
the spot of B’s foul or the dead ball spot, whichever is least advantageous for Team B. (14-5-2)

Question 63

PUNT FROM BEYOND LINE
Fourth-and-10 on 50. Punter A1 scrambles after a bad snap and runs to the B45 where he punts the ball out of
bounds at the B25.

Answer 63

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B25, or fourth-and-15 on A45. This is a punt, even though it is from beyond the line,
and it is therefore B’s ball at the dead-ball spot. All rules on scrimmage kicks apply. See 9-1-1, Note (5). Team A’s
10-yard penalty is a “spot foul” and can therefore only be enforced from the spot of the kick, with the down replayed.

Question 64

PUNT-DOUBLE FOUL AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-5 on A45. Receiver B1 holds kicker A4 on the B30 during the punt. B2 catches the punt at the B10 and
runs to the B45 where he is tackled. During the return, A3 trips B2 at the B40.

Answer 64

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Double fouls after a change of possession are offset at the spot where B’s foul
would be enforced if it was the only foul. Here, since B1’s foul is a post possession foul, that enforcement spot, (and
therefore where these double fouls offset), would be either the end of the kick or the spot of B’s foul, whichever is
least advantageous for Team B. (14-5-2)

Question 65

KICKING TEAM PLAYER OUT OF BOUNDS DURING PUNT
Fourth-and-12 on A21. At the snap, A1, who is lined up wide on punt coverage, runs out of bounds untouched to
avoid being blocked by B1 and B2. A1 returns to the field of play at the A26. B1 attempts to catch the punted ball at
the B41 but muffs it, and the ball rolls to the B19 where B3 and A4 simultaneously recover the ball.

Answer 65

Ruling: Fourth-and-17 on A16 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B24. Team B has the option to enforce the foul for a player
illegally out of bounds on a kick at the previous spot or the dead ball spot. Simultaneous possession of a kick belongs
to Team B.

Question 66

KICKING TEAM PLAYER OUT OF BOUNDS DURING PUNT—RETURNS INBOUNDS
Fourth-and-10 on A40. During the punt, flyer A2 is blocked out of bounds at the A45 and he (a) begins to run at an
angle to return inbounds just after being forced out and returns inbounds at the B45, or (b) does not immediately run
at an angle but runs parallel to the sideline and then returns inbounds at the B45. B3 fair catches the kick at the B20.

Answer 66

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first and ten on B20. No foul for not returning inbounds legally.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-ten on B35 or A’s ball fourth-and-25 on A25. Unsportsmanlike conduct for not returning
inbounds as quickly as is reasonable after being blocked out of bounds.

Question 67

KICKING TEAM PLAYER OUT OF BOUNDS DURING PUNT—FORCED OUT
Fourth-and-7 on A31. A1, who is attempting to cover the punt, is contacted and forced out of bounds by B3 at the
A34. A1 begins to immediately run at an angle and returns to the field of play at the A39. B2 signals for and makes
a fair catch at the B39.

Answer 67

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B39. Contact by B3 is what caused A1 to run out of bounds and he immediately
began to return at an angle, so there is no foul for a player out of bounds on a kick or for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Question 68

BLOCKING OUT OF BOUNDS DURING PUNT/DURING RETURN
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1’s punt is fielded by B1 at the B10 and returned to the 50. B2 blocks A2 causing A2 to go
out of bounds, and B3 then immediately goes out of bounds and blocks A2 again at the B40 while they are both out
of bounds. The block by B3 occurs (a) during the kick; or (b) during the return.

Answer 68

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B5. It is unnecessary roughness to go out of bounds to block an opponent during a punt.
This is a post-possession foul.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. No foul. This action did not happen during the punt. (12-2-8-c)

Question 69

TOUCHBACK—DOUBLE FOUL WITH CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Fourth-and-3 on B36. During the punt, B2 clips A2 at the B16. The ball lands at the B6 and A3 bats the ball at the
B4 into the end zone where B2 recovers the ball and runs for a touchdown. Team A had six players on the line of
scrimmage.

Answer 69

Ruling: Fourth-and-3 on B36, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B8. This is a double foul with a change of possession. Both
the illegal formation and illegal bat fouls by Team A were before the change of possession, and the clipping foul by
Team B was a post possession foul. The ball was dead when it hit in the end zone, (untouched by B), so the result
of the play is a touchback. Enforcement of B2’s foul is from the spot of the foul, since it is behind the end of the kick
(B20). Because this is a kick play, Team B also has the option to require a replay of the down.

Question 70

BALL TOUCHES OFFICIAL INBOUNDS DURING SCRIMMAGE KICK
Fourth-and-5 on A45. A1 punts the ball to the B2 where it bounces and hits the Back Judge who was straddling the
goal line. The ball bounces back to the B2 where it is downed by A2. If the ball had not struck the official, it would
have gone into the end zone.

Answer 70

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B2. If the ball touches an official who is inbounds, the touching is ignored. (7-2-2)

Question 71

TEAM A FIRST TOUCHES AND TEAM B ILLEGALLY KICKS PUNT
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1’s punt is first touched by A2 on the B2. The ball then bounces to the B6 where B5 kicks it
into and out of the back of the end zone.

Answer 71

Ruling: Safety. Safety kick A20. The illegal kick is a post-possession foul, which is enforced from the spot of the foul
or the end of the kick, whichever is least beneficial to the receiving team. Because Team B’s impetus caused the
ball to go through the end zone, enforcement from the end of the kick results in a safety. The first touch violation is
nullified by the accepted penalty.

Question 72

BLOCKED PUNT—ILLEGALLY KICKED BALL
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1’s punt is blocked at the A40, and the ball rolls loose on the ground at the A47, when A1
kicks it downfield. The ball hits B1 at the B45 and bounces out of bounds (a) at the B45 or (b) at the A45.

Answer 72

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A40. Illegally kicking the ball during a loose ball behind the line of scrimmage is enforced
from the previous spot with a loss of down. (Option to enforce from the dead ball spot)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. Because the ball was punted, and because it was B’s ball at the end of the punt
play, the yardage can be enforced from the dead ball spot.

Question 73

PUNT—ILLEGAL TOUCH
Fourth-and-4 on A45. During the punt, flyer A2 inadvertently steps on the sideline at the B30, (not making an effort
to avoid a player and not blocked out), as he is running downfield to cover the punt. He continues to run, immediately
taking an angle and re-establishing himself in bounds, and falls on the ball (a) at the B5; or (b) at the B2.

Answer 73

Rulings:
(a) Fourth-and-9 on A40 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. Illegal touch by A2. No kicking team player, who has been
out of bounds, may touch or recover a punt beyond the line until it has been touched by another player from
either team. If a punt team player goes out of bounds on his own to avoid a block, it is a foul. If he steps out
inadvertently, it is not a foul for going out of bounds, but he still cannot be the first to touch the kick.
(b) Fourth-and-9 on A40, or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. The foul for illegal touching after having been out of
bounds, if accepted, has a touchback option, as the touching occurred inside the five-yard line.

Question 74

PUNT—MULTIPLE FOULS TEAM A—ILLEGAL TOUCH AND POP
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A1’s punt is at the B17 when A2, who had re-established back inbounds after having gone out
of bounds on his own to avoid a block, touches the rolling punt there. The punt then rolls out of bounds at the B14.

Answer 74

Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B19, or fourth-and-15 on A45. Multiple fouls by A2 for a player illegally out of bounds
on a kick, and illegal touching of a kick. There is no option to move the ball to the spot of the first touch and also
enforce the penalty from that spot.

Question 75

DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION—FOUL DURING RETURN
Fourth-and-10 on A40. B1 catches the punt on the B25 and runs to the B35 where he fumbles. A2 recovers the
fumble at the B34 and runs to the B33 where he fumbles, and B2 recovers and is downed at the B30. During B1’s
run, B4 (a) illegally blocks in the back at the B37; (b) illegally blocks in the back at the B33; or (c) blocks A4 below
the waist at the B32.

Answer 75

Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. Declining B’s foul results in B’s ball at the B30. When accepted, it is enforced from
the B35 as a foul on a running play. There is no option to enforce B’s foul from the dead-ball spot.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B23. Enforcement is from the spot of foul since it is behind the spot of the fumble.
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B19. Since the low block is a personal foul, Team A gets the ball back and the penalty
is enforced from where Team A recovered B1’s fumble.