Rules of the Game

[AUPepBand]

Pep was watching the Play of the Week nominees. The Millikin game put a question in Pep's mind about rules of the game. Pep has been reading up on college football through the decades and at one time perhaps in the early 1930s, a rule was made that a kicking team could not advance the ball on a kickoff should a fumble be recovered.

The reason the Millikin game stood out is because they did just that. My question is whether that rule still stands. Sometime between 1937-1940, Alfred's outstanding Sports Hall of Famer Walter "Bo" Johnson scored what was recorded at the game as the fastest touchdown ever scored. Johnson actually kicked off and while in full stride, a teammate hit the ball-carrying opponent, popping the ball into the air and into the path of Johnson, who caught it in stride and continued into the end zone. It was touted as the fastest TD ever scored. But then it caused great embarrassment because the officials had not ruled correctly and the ball should never have been allowed to be advanced.

Does that rule still exist in NCAA Division III football? In other words....did the officials blow the call in the Millikin game?

Just curious.....

[Hawks88]

I remember at least sometime in the 70's, maybe into the early 80's that in college the defense couldn't advance a fumble recovery but was changed around that time. I know that a muffed punt return still can't be advanced by the punting team.

[AUPepBand]

I found that it was 1929 that a rule was made that a kicking team could never advance a fumble recovery. Whether it has changed since then, that is my question....   anyone know where Pep would find the "official rules of the game" for NCAA Division III?

[Hawks88]

http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4309-2013-and-2014-ncaa-football-rules-and-interpretations.aspx

It is $7.80 or you can download a pdf for free. I don't think there are differences between divisions as far as rules of play.

[Scots13]

I know last year during a Maryville/Greensboro game, MC kicked off and there was a fumble around the 20 yard line.  MC scooped and scored.

I'll ask a buddy who is an official (does mostly D3 games) and post the answer.

[AUPepBand]

I know last year during a Maryville/Greensboro game, MC kicked off and there was a fumble around the 20 yard line.  MC scooped and scored.

I'll ask a buddy who is an official (does mostly D3 games) and post the answer.

Pep appreciates the effort! +K Just curious....

[KitchenSink]

The kicking team can only acquire possession AND advance a FUMBLE - which is separate from a muff.  A recovered onside kick is NOT a fumble so it cannot be advanced.  Same as when a punt returner misses catching a punt (muff) - that can't be advanced by a member of the kicking team either.

A receiving team member must secure clear possession, then lose the ball for the kicking team players to be able to possess and advance.

I'm a high school official (10 yrs), but I am pretty sure in this area the NCAA is identical to NFHS rules.

[Scots13]

The kicking team can only acquire possession AND advance a FUMBLE - which is separate from a muff.  A recovered onside kick is NOT a fumble so it cannot be advanced.  Same as when a punt returner misses catching a punt (muff) - that can't be advanced by a member of the kicking team either.

A receiving team member must secure clear possession, then lose the ball for the kicking team players to be able to possess and advance.

I'm a high school official (10 yrs), but I am pretty sure in this area the NCAA is identical to NFHS rules.

Just spoke with an official and this is accurate for collegiate football as well. +1 for clarity in your post.

[AUPepBand]

Thanks, Scots13 and KitchenSink....it all makes sense now. +K

[wcrosby]

I heard earlier this year that the Fair Catch Free Kick is no longer in the college game, and hasn't been for a few decades.  It's still in the pros, but hardly ever used.  Does anyone know what the status is, and if it was removed, why?