What's the ruling on this play?

Question

A kickoff hits a player on the receiving team at his three-yard line, then proceeds to roll out of the end zone.

Touchback or safety?  And is there a rule number for it?

Kaybee · Accepted Answer

It is a Touchback.

Jacob · Answer

The ruling in the NFL would be a touchback because the player never possessed the ball. Same as if it hits him and then he recovers it in the endzone. The only way to be a safety would be for him to possess it, fumble it, and it either roll out through the back or him kick it or something. I don't have a rule number I just know the rule I have seen it happen.

sjsuz · Answer

IT IS A TOUCHBACK - I think you may be thinking of a punted ball - the rules are different!

BELOW IS THE RULE FOR A SAFETY:
Player on receiving team muffs punt and, trying to get ball, forces or illegally kicks (creating new impetus) it into end zone where it goes out of the end zone or is recovered by a member of the receiving team in the end zone. 

PS
Not sure about the NUMBER....

david w · Answer

In HS play, it is a touchback once the ball crosses the goal line as the kick never ended.

I believe it is the same ruling for NFL and NCAA.  The mere touching of a kick does not end the kick; it must be possessed by the receiving team for the kick to end.

Kurt · Answer

Safety

Beastyt · Answer

A safety

Anonym · Answer

depends, if he tried to hit it out of the endzone, it think it would be a safety. if he muffed it, i think its a touch back.

What's the ruling on this play?

7 Antworten