Roughing the kicker
In
In the NFL, a defensive player commits a "roughing the kicker" foul if he (a) contacts the plant leg of the kicker while his kicking leg is still in the air; or (b) slides into or contacts the kicker when both of the kicker’s feet are on the ground. It is not a foul if the contact is not severe, or if the kicker returns both feet to the ground prior to the contact and falls over a defender who is on the ground.[2]
The penalty for such a violation in most leagues is 15 yards and an automatic first down. When such a violation occurs, the team about to surrender possession via a
Such protections are also extended to the
History
In 1914, the term "roughing the kicker" came into use. Previously, it was known as "running into the fullback after the kick."[4]
In 1917, penalties for roughing the kicker were measured from the spot where the ball was put out of play.[4]
References
- ISBN 9780874134551.
- ^ NFL Rule book, Article 9, Rule 12, Section 2
- ISBN 9780874134551.
- ^ ISBN 9780874134551.