Background of Post Scrimmage
Kick Rule (PSK)
Was on rules committee agenda 10 times
between 1991 and adoption in 2003
Original proposals were copies of NCAA rule,
creating multiple exceptions in NFHS code
Team A/K has chosen to end its possession
by kicking, and then kicks the ball
Proposal as passed DID NOT modify other
rules such as inadvertent whistle and
definition of kicks
Background of Post Scrimmage
Kick Rule (PSK)
Necessarily different than collegiate rule in
order to minimize and eliminate exceptions to
NFHS penalty code
May continue to require further refinement in
future, but for now, leaves unchanged most
other related provisions
Statistics show that high school punters are
happy with more than 3 seconds hang time.
PSK fouls don’t happen that often! And is
even less likely in non varsity games.
PSK Basic Rule Provisions
Defines a PSK Spot (additional Basic Spot
defined in rule 10-4-3 and definition included
in 2-40-6)
PSK spot is where kick ends by rule when all
conditions for PSK are met (2-40-6).
Altered in a minor way, other related
definitions related to spots (inserting “other
than” language, etc.)
PSK Basic Rule Provisions
Must use the “window” to properly apply the rule.
The “window” is opened (maintained) when
the ball is snapped if a kick is then made,
AND
K kicks the ball and the kick crosses the
expanded neutral zone, AND
R has yet to possess the ball and the kick has
not ended by rule
PSK Basic Rule
A PSK foul occurs when R fouls with the
“window” open AND R fouls on R’s side of the
expanded neutral zone, AND if R has the ball at
the end of the down (or will next put the ball in
play)
PSK Never Applies on Try (by rule)
PSK Never Applies on a K foul
PSK Never Applies on Made FG (R does not
have ball)
PSK MAY apply on missed FG (must be aware
of NFHS rule on missed FG compared to
collegiate rule as ball could roll dead in field of
play)
PSK Rules Study Tips
PSK MAY apply on a scrimmage kick (punt)
PSK MAY apply in Overtime (determined by
state overtime procedure), but does not apply if
using NFHS 10 yard procedure
When a PSK foul occurs, the basic spot is the
end of the kick (correctly marked by bean bag)
Penalties behind basic spot are enforced using
all-but-one principle.
All other revisions and provisions are consistent
with all-but-one as in place at this time.
PSK Rules Study Tips for the Play
Did the window open (kick was made and
crossed the ENZ)
Did the window close (kick end by rule)
Did R End up with the ball after the defined end
of a kick? (or will R put ball in play next?)
Did R Foul?
Did R’s foul occur with window open, past ENZ,
and before window closed?
If all answers are YES, PSK enforcement
applies.
PSK Officiating Mechanics Tips
 BJ (LJ on 4 person Crew) should carry two bean bags.
One for PSK spot, one in case of fumble.
 Rule 2 Definitions will help sort out most any PSK foul that
happens to occur. Case books plays on
substitution/participation fouls MUST be reviewed as spot
of foul is critical.
 Movement of LJ may need to be addressed. It may not be
as easy for the LJ to break on the snap as a few states still
do in 5 person, but rather, he/she may have to wait to
release until kick is imminent. Primary coverage as to the
ball having crossed the ENZ has to be L.
 Covering official must bean bag PSK spot (not always BJ
or LJ).
PSK Play Situations
 Ball crosses ENZ and returns behind
Still meets rule as it did cross
 Inadvertent whistle during Kick
No option but previous spot by rule (not PSK as R
doesn’t have ball)
Foul after inadvertent, no foul enforcement unless
Unsporting or Live Ball Enforced as Dead
Foul before inadvertent, enforce yardage from
previous spot.
 K Foul, then kick, PSK foul, then R fields ball and
advances. During run, R fouls again.
R may keep ball as they received ball with clean
hands. They must decline K’s foul. The most
disadvantageous R foul will be enforced.