Football Illegal Touching of a Kick Penalty
An illegal touching of a kick penalty occurs when a player on the kicking team either touches the ball before it has reached the restraining line or they touch the ball after going out of bounds. It typically occurs on onside kicks that the kicking team is attempting to recover. Read on to learn more about the illegal touching of a kick penalty.
Definition
The main occurrence of an illegal touch on a kick is during onside kicks. This is when a team is usually down by one score and is desperately trying to get possession of the ball back. Once the onside kick is in play, the ball has to travel 10 yards in order for the kicking team to try and recover it. These 10 yards are signified by the receiving team’s restraining line.
If an athlete from the kicking team touches the ball in any way before it reaches the restraining line, it will be deemed an illegal touch. Indirect touches apply, so the kicking team must be mindful of where the ball is at all times during the kick.
There is another type of illegal touch on the kick that results in a different type of penalty. If a player from the kicking team steps out of bounds and then is the first to touch the kick the kick will be deemed as a free kick out of bounds. This penalty is much more substantial than a mere illegal touch.
The illegal touch penalty is important because it gives the receiving team enough time to prepare and properly handle the onside kick. Since the kick is in close contact with both sides, it needs to be balanced, which is why the 10-yard restraining line was established.
Result
There are two outcomes to the illegal touching penalty. The receiving team can elect to either take possession at the spot of the illegal touch or to make the kicking team kick again from 5 yards further downfield. Most teams take possession to ensure that they get the ball, which almost always ends the game after an onside kick.
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Touching of a Kick | Spot of the Foul/5 yards | Spot of the Foul/5 yards | Spot of the Foul/5 yards | N/A |
Penalty Signal
The signal for an illegal touch on a kick is directed by pointing both hands to the shoulders, up and down signaling a touch. The referee will also point to the side of the offending team, always the kicking team, by using an outstretched arm.
Examples
- An athlete of the kicking team recovers the ball before it goes 10 yards, or meets the restraining line.
- A player from the kicking team steps out of bounds and then is the first to touch the kick after returning in bounds.
- During an onside kick, the ball hits a player of the kicking team before traveling 10 yards.
Similar Penalties To Illegal Touching of a Kick
FAQ
What is an illegal touching of a kick penalty in football?
An illegal touching of a kick penalty occurs when a player from the kicking team either is the first to touch the kick before it has traveled ten yards or goes out of bounds prior to being the first to touch the kick. This penalty usually occurs during onside kicks where the kicking team is attempting to recover possession with a short kick.
What is the penalty for illegal touching of a kick?
The consequences of each of the two illegal touching of a kick situations are different. If a player on the kicking team touched the ball before it traveled ten yards, the receiving team has the option of taking the ball from the spot of the foul or making the kicking team re-kick from five yards further. If a player on the kicking team goes out of bounds and is the first to touch the ball, the receiving team may either take the ball from 25-yards from the kicking spot or at the spot of the foul.
Can you challenge an illegal touching of a kick penalty?
Illegal touching of a kick penalties are reviewable penalties, meaning coaches can use a challenge to dispute the referee’s initial call. Both types of illegal touching of a kick penalties are reviewable, as the rulebook states that “touching of a kick” and “player out of bounds on a kick” are reviewable.