Football Delay Of Kickoff Penalty
In football, the kickoff is one of the most important plays and starts off every single game. This play is usually pretty straightforward; however, when the kicking team does not kick the ball before the play clock runs out, they will be assessed a delay of kickoff penalty from the officiating crew.
What is the Football Delay of Kickoff Penalty?
A delay of kickoff penalty will be assessed to the kicking team when they do not kick the ball off prior to the expiration of the play clock. The play clock in football serves as a tool to help pace the game. It is a 40-second timer counting down the start of each play. If the play clock expires prior to the ball being kicked in a kickoff, the kicking team will receive a delay of kickoff penalty.
This penalty is only called during the kickoff plays that begin each half of regulation, each overtime period, and after successful scoring attempts such as touchdowns and field goals. Therefore, this penalty can only be called during special-teams plays. Delay of kickoff is a rare penalty, as teams typically will not let the play clock wind all the way down prior to kicking off the ball.
Result
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delay Of Kickoff | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | 10 Yards |
The result of a delay of kickoff penalty is a five-yard penalty assessed to the kicking team by the officiating crew. The exception to this is the CFL, where the penalty is 10 yards. For the most part, this penalty is extremely rare due to the fact that many teams usually have no issue kicking the ball off prior to the expiration of the play clock. In football, at every single level of play, a delay of kickoff penalty is a reminder to the kicking team that they need to pick up the pace of the football game.
Penalty Signal
When a delay of kickoff penalty is called by a referee, the referee will call a delay of game penalty on the kickoff. This symbol will look as though the referee crosses his arms towards the inside of his body, signaling there has been a foul regarding the expiration of the play clock.
Examples
- The coin toss has just concluded, and the team that is supposed to kick the ball off to start the game takes longer than 40 seconds to kick the ball off.
- After halftime, the team that now must kickoff the ball to start the second half takes longer than 40 seconds to kick.
- At the beginning of overtime, the team that elected to kick takes too long to bring out the kicking unit for the ensuing kickoff.
Similar Penalties To Delay Of Kickoff
FAQ
What is the difference between delay of kickoff and delay of game?
A delay of kickoff penalty is a type of delay of game penalty that is assessed only on kickoff plays. In the NFL, a kickoff begins the game, the second half, after a touchdown or field goal, and to start each overtime period. Although the game clock does not start running until the kickoff is caught, the 40-second play clock is started prior to the kickoff. If the kicking team fails to kickoff before the play clock has counted down, a violation has occurred.
What is the consequence of a delay of kickoff penalty?
In football, a delay of kickoff penalty carries the consequence of a five-yard loss for the kicking team, similarly to a delay of game penalty results in a five-yard penalty for the offense. However, in the Canadian Football League, a delay of kickoff carries a penalty of 10 yards.
Can you challenge a delay of kickoff penalty?
Since delay of kickoff is a foul in football, it cannot be challenged. However, aspects of the penalty, such as enforcement, spot of the foul, the game clock, or other factors such as disqualifications.