Punt Rule?

[TouchdownJesus]

Can anyone clarify a punt rule for me?

I always thought, and pretty sure it at least used to be, that only backs and ends could go downfield on the snap and everyone else had to wait for the ball to be kicked. The old thing was that lineman counted 1-2-3 and then went and if there was a problem with the kick, might be called illegal man downfield.

Once teams started using the rugby punt, it seemed like everyone would just go and now on any punt, everyone goes as they please.

Anyone know the rule on this? I'm assuming it was somewhat recently changed....thanks.

 

[White Shadow]

Here is the NFL Rule. Couldn't find it in the NCAA rulebook but I assume it is he same.....

During a kick from scrimmage, only the end men, as eligible receivers on the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap, are permitted to go beyond the line before the ball is kicked.

Exception: An eligible receiver who, at the snap, is aligned or in motion behind the line and more than one yard outside the end man on his side of the line, clearly making him the outside receiver, replaces that end man as the player eligible to go downfield after the snap. All other members of the kicking team must remain at the line of scrimmage until the ball has been kicked.

 

[gjn23]

is there a punt rule that says EVERY returner must be 45+ yards from the line of scrimmage???

i watch 15-20 games a week and NEVER see a punt fly over the head of the returner (unless its a touchback) however i see 3+ punts per game that land 5-10 yards in FRONT of the returner....then roll for 5-30 yards.

will these clowns EVER move up on a punt return?

 

[TouchdownJesus]

Thanks. It must be different in college and/or recently changed, b/c I've watched a few just today in slo-mo and everyone goes.

I agree, how are these guys not fielding punts that are in front of them...