2004 Post Scrimmage Kick Enforcement - Revisited
Background of Post Scrimmage Kick Rule (PSK) Was on rules committee agenda 10 times between 1991 and adoption in 2003 Original proposals were copies of NCAA rule, creating multiple exceptions in NFHS code Team A/K has chosen to end its possession by kicking, and then kicks the ball Proposal as passed DID NOT modify other rules such as inadvertent whistle and definition of kicks
Background of Post Scrimmage Kick Rule (PSK) Necessarily different than collegiate rule in order to minimize and eliminate exceptions to NFHS penalty code May continue to require further refinement in future, but for now, leaves unchanged most other related provisions Statistics show that high school punters are happy with more than 3 seconds hang time. PSK fouls don’t happen that often! And is even less likely in non varsity games.
PSK Basic Rule Provisions Defines a PSK Spot (additional Basic Spot defined in rule 10-4-3 and definition included in 2-40-6) PSK spot is where kick ends by rule when all conditions for PSK are met (2-40-6). Altered in a minor way, other related definitions related to spots (inserting “other than” language, etc.)
PSK Basic Rule Provisions Must use the “window” to properly apply the rule. The “window” is opened (maintained) when the ball is snapped if a kick is then made, AND K kicks the ball and the kick crosses the expanded neutral zone, AND R has yet to possess the ball and the kick has not ended by rule
PSK Basic Rule A PSK foul occurs when R fouls with the “window” open AND R fouls on R’s side of the expanded neutral zone, AND if R has the ball at the end of the down (or will next put the ball in play) PSK Never Applies on Try (by rule) PSK Never Applies on a K foul PSK Never Applies on Made FG (R does not have ball) PSK MAY apply on missed FG (must be aware of NFHS rule on missed FG compared to collegiate rule as ball could roll dead in field of play)
PSK Rules Study Tips PSK MAY apply on a scrimmage kick (punt) PSK MAY apply in Overtime (determined by state overtime procedure), but does not apply if using NFHS 10 yard procedure When a PSK foul occurs, the basic spot is the end of the kick (correctly marked by bean bag) Penalties behind basic spot are enforced using all-but-one principle. All other revisions and provisions are consistent with all-but-one as in place at this time.
PSK Rules Study Tips for the Play Did the window open (kick was made and crossed the ENZ) Did the window close (kick end by rule) Did R End up with the ball after the defined end of a kick? (or will R put ball in play next?) Did R Foul? Did R’s foul occur with window open, past ENZ, and before window closed? If all answers are YES, PSK enforcement applies.
PSK Officiating Mechanics Tips BJ (LJ on 4 person Crew) should carry two bean bags. One for PSK spot, one in case of fumble. Rule 2 Definitions will help sort out most any PSK foul that happens to occur. Case books plays on substitution/participation fouls MUST be reviewed as spot of foul is critical. Movement of LJ may need to be addressed. It may not be as easy for the LJ to break on the snap as a few states still do in 5 person, but rather, he/she may have to wait to release until kick is imminent. Primary coverage as to the ball having crossed the ENZ has to be L. Covering official must bean bag PSK spot (not always BJ or LJ).
PSK Play Situations Ball crosses ENZ and returns behind Still meets rule as it did cross Inadvertent whistle during Kick No option but previous spot by rule (not PSK as R doesn’t have ball) Foul after inadvertent, no foul enforcement unless Unsporting or Live Ball Enforced as Dead Foul before inadvertent, enforce yardage from previous spot. K Foul, then kick, PSK foul, then R fields ball and advances. During run, R fouls again. R may keep ball as they received ball with clean hands. They must decline K’s foul. The most disadvantageous R foul will be enforced.