Article 1 – Definition
A blocked kick is a kick from scrimmage where, after being kicked, the ball is prevented from crossing the line of scrimmage because of contact with an opponent, or with a player of Team A who is offside. It is not a blocked kick if, after the ball is so contacted, the ball then crosses the line of scrimmage. This is a deflected kick, and the touching of the ball shall be disregarded.
On a return kick, a blocked kick is one where the ball is touched by an opponent simultaneously with or immediately following the ball being kicked, and the ball then travels in a direction parallel to, or in the direction of, the kicking team's dead line.
It is not a blocked kick if, after the ball is so contacted, it then travels in the direction of the opponent's dead line. The touching of the ball shall be disregarded, and all rulings in respect to the restraining zone and interference are similar to those for a punt crossing the line of scrimmage.
Article 2 – Blocked and Recovered in Bounds
If the ball is blocked, and is legally recovered in bounds by:
- a) Team B 1st D PBD.
- b) Team A 1.2D downs continue unless yards are gained.
3D DG – normal 1st down PBD.
3D DNG – LB PBD.
When Team A legally recovers a blocked kick, the continuing play shall be considered as any other play from scrimmage and the blocked kick disregarded. A forward pass may be thrown, and all rulings applicable to a forward pass shall be enforced (Subject to ).
If Team B recovers the blocked kick, and then loses possession to Team A, a forward pass by either team is illegal.
Exception: This does not apply on a convert attempt.
When Team B legally recovers a blocked kick, Team B players may interfere with any opponent anywhere within bounds, provided that the initial contact is made at or above the waist. Blocking by Team A players to break up interference is also legal, provided that the initial contact is made at or above the waist.
Article 3 – Blocked to Out of Bounds – Field of Play
Where a kick is blocked and the ball goes out of bounds in the field of play:
Last Touched by Team A -
1.2D – possession retained by A, downs continue unless the required distance is gained. The point of next down is 24 yards (22 metres) in from the sideline, at the point of last touching by A, or the point where the ball went out of bounds, whichever is closer to the A goal line.
3D – possession awarded to Team B, unless the required distance is gained, 24 yards (22 metres) in from the sideline at the point of last touching by A, or the point where the ball went out of bounds, whichever is closer to the A goal line.
Last touched by Team B -
1.2.3D – possession awarded to Team B 1st down, 24 yards (22 metres) in from the sideline at the point of last touching by B, or at the point where the ball went out of bounds, whichever is closer to the B goal line.
Article 4 – Blocked Through End Zone
- a) When a kick is blocked and the ball goes dead in A possession in the end zone or is last touched by A before going out of bounds, even if the ball is touched (not directed) by a B player on the field of play into the end zone.
- 2 points (safety touch) to B
- b) When a kick is blocked on the field of play, and after being blocked, is directed (not kicked) into the end zone from the field of play by a B player, and:
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- Goes dead in A possession in the end zone, or is touched last by an A player in the end zone before the ball goes out of bounds in the end zone
- 1.2, 3D A 1D at the 20-yard line (no score).
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- Goes out of bounds in the end zone, without again being touched. 1.2.3D – B 1D at the point where B last touched the ball on the field of play.
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- c) When a return kick by Team B is blocked by Team A in the B end zone, and the ball goes dead in the B end zone, in B possession, or goes out of bounds in the B end zone, either directly or after being touched by A or B, a score of 1 or 2 points as appropriate is awarded to Team A.
Article 5 – Pyramiding
A player may not use the body of another player anywhere in bounds in any way to gain or maintain elevation on any play. A player cannot elevate a teammate in any way on any play.
L5 PLS.