Hey there, young football enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered about the intriguing penalties found in the game of football? Today, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to explore one particular penalty called “Roughing the Kicker.” Get ready to dive into the rich world of penalties as we discover what happens when a kicker gets roughed and the consequences it brings to the game!
What is Roughing the Kicker?
Roughing the Kicker is a penalty that occurs during a football match when a defensive player makes unlawful contact with the kicker. This typically happens immediately after a kick attempt, such as a field goal or extra point, when the kicker becomes vulnerable due to their position.
Imagine yourself standing in front of a goalpost, ready to kick the football and score a point for your team. Suddenly, a defensive player rushes towards you, unintentionally knocking you down while you’re in mid-air or on the ground. That, my young friends, is exactly what roughing the kicker is all about!
Why is it called Roughing the Kicker?
The term “Roughing the Kicker” comes from the fact that the defensive player is not allowed to rough up or make aggressive contact with the kicker, who is in a vulnerable position during a kick attempt. The rule exists to ensure the safety of the kicker and to maintain fair play in the game.
Consequences of Roughing the Kicker:
Now, let’s talk about what happens when a defensive player commits this penalty. When roughing the kicker occurs, a certain yardage and a first down are awarded to the team on the receiving end of the penalty. This means the team that was about to kick the ball gets a second chance to try and score points.
If roughing the kicker happens during a field goal or extra point attempt, the non-offending team will receive 15 yards and an automatic first down. This means they get a fresh set of downs to continue their offensive play. Additionally, if the defending team commits this penalty on a punt play, the non-offending team will still receive 15 yards, but no automatic first down.
So, not only does roughing the kicker give a second chance to the team receiving the penalty, but it also serves as a deterrent to prevent defensive players from recklessly targeting the kicker.
Let’s Wrap It Up:
In conclusion, young sports enthusiasts, roughing the kicker is an exciting yet closely monitored penalty in football. It occurs when a defensive player makes unlawful contact with the kicker during a kick attempt, putting the kicker’s safety at risk. The penalty awards yardage and a first down to the non-offending team, giving them an opportunity to extend their offensive play.
Remember, it’s important to play fair, take care of each other’s safety, and enjoy the game to the fullest. So, the next time you watch a football match, keep an eye out for this penalty and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!