What are the Rules for "Offsides" on Kickoff team ?

Question

I haven't played football since high school, 6 years ago. I am now coaching an 11 & 12 yr old football team. I have my offense installed, defense installed, I had my tryouts for kicker...now I don't remember the offsides rule on kickoffs. Is it...no one can pass up the kicker before he kicks the ball ? If that's the case, do I just tell the kids to watch the ball and don't move until its kicked, or do I have a kid stand right by the ball,with his hands in the air,and when the ball is kicked he lowers them. Letting the kids on the outside know its safe to run ? I think I understand the rule, I just want to double check.

Answer 1

You cant pass the 35 yard line (or where ever the ball is placed) untill the ball is kicked.

Answer 2

No one can cross the line before the ball is kicked.

(Which is similar to what you were thinking, but it doesn't matter if they're in front of the kicker as long as they're behind the line.)

In NFL games, they have everybody time their run so that they all get a running start and hit the line at the right time. But in a kids' game, it probably makes sense, like you said, to have everybody stand at the line, watch the ball and don't move until it's kicked. If kids on the outside can't see the ball, they'll see the other kids running just as easily as they could see a guy lower his hands.

Answer 3

The person above me has it basically right.  After the referee blows the whistle there are only two people allowed to be across the "free kick line"

1) the kicker, since their plant foot often is at or past the ball when they make contact.

2) the holder, if used.

Now what does across mean?  Technically the line actually is a plane that cannot be crossed.  For practical purposes, most refs won't call it that closely unless you are attempting an onsides kick.  Otherwise they will let a little go so long as the person's foot doesn't hit the ground beyond the line before the ball is kicked.