Question
At playoff time, we sometimes see a return kick late in a half, when a team tries to avoid giving up a point by kicking the ball back out of their end zone into the field of play. What rules apply?
Answer
It’s always an exciting play, and usually only happens in a very close game.
First, a ball being kicked out of the end zone that hits the goal post assembly is LIVE, not dead like a ball that hits the goal post in flight going into the goal area.
Second, the team that is receiving the return kick is entitled to a 5-yard zone when it first touches the ball. In other words the no yards rule applies on a return kick.
Third, the rule providing a penalty for a ball kicked out of bounds in flight does not apply. It is only used on kicks from scrimmage (punts or place kicks).
Last, but by no means least, none of the designated QB’s can be in the end zone as one of the players who might try to kick it back out. By rule, he cannot play on defence.
Tom Higgins is the CFL’s Director of Officiating. Prior to joining the Canadian Football League office, Higgins spent more than 25 years as a player, coach and personnel director.
