Kicking Mechanics in the 7 Man Game Kicking Game Kicking Mechanics in the 7 Man Game

Basic Free kick formation

Responsibilities on Basic free kicks Give the ready for play signal once all officials are ready and the kicker has been given the ball Responsible for ruling that there are 4 players on each side of the Kicker when ball is kicked Responsible for ruling on formation of illegal wedge Observe action in front of the runner Be ready to rule on plays where the end line is threatened  

Basic free kick keys

Movement after the ball is kicked

Responsibilities in obvious short kick situations Determine when to move into short kick formation Give the Ready for play signal  Referee is responsible for the play clock in short kick formation Regular coverage if the ball is kicked deep

Obvious short kick situations

Field Goal/Try

Responsibilities on field goal/try Count team a players WHen it is obvious a kick will occur and a potential holder and potential kicker are not more than seven yards behind the neutral zone, the r will place an open hand on his chest, indicating to the u that team a is not in a legal scrimmage kick formation Obrserve action on kicker and holder

Scrimmage Kicks(punt plays)

Pre-snap responsibilities Count team a players When it is obvious a kick will occur and there is not a player 10 or more yards behind the neutral zone, the R will place an open hand on his chest, indicating to the u that team a is not in a legal scrimmage kick formation.  Be positioned wider than the tight end and on the kicker's kicking foot side Allows you to see rushers, blockers and have an angle on contact area of the kicker's foot Allows you to be In position to observe any contact with the kicker after the ball is kicked

Duties after the snap Watch blocking and illegal action by players behind the line Observe action by and against the kicker Observe players and clean-up action, while proceeding slowly down field if the kick remains inbounds If the flight of the kick is toward a sideline, move quickly to a position in line with the flight, use arm signals to direct covering official to the out of bounds spot when appropriate If the kick is caught or recovered down field, be prepared to take over the runner as prearranged if the covering official is out of the play Give tip signal if ball is tipped, and alert players vocally that the kick has been made

Possible penalties in the kicking game Offsides on the kicking  Free kick out of bounds Formation of an illegal wedge Block in the back during the return Holding during the return Kick Catch Interference Blocking below the waist