Source: BroBible
Summary
Trent Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback, was upset during a high school football game when officials did not recognize the fair catch free kick rule. The rule allows a team to kick a field goal after a fair catch on a kickoff or punt. Dilfer attempted the kick, but it was disallowed. The game ended with a 49-14 victory for Lipscomb Academy. The rule is used in high school and NFL football but was recently reintroduced in college.
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Author: Evan Null
What is a fair catch free kick?
The fair catch free kick is a rule that allows a team to kick a field goal after a fair catch on a kickoff or punt. It’s been around since the late 19th century and is used in high school and NFL football. College football reintroduced it this season after a 70-year absence.
Trent Dilfer was not happy with the high school football referees.
Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback, returned to coaching at Lipscomb Academy in 2026. He was upset when officials didn’t recognize the fair catch free kick rule during a game. He tried to explain it but was ignored.
The kick did not count.
Dilfer attempted the fair catch free kick, but the officials waved it off. The kick was disallowed, and the team didn’t get the three points. The game ended with a 49-14 win for Lipscomb Academy.
Dilfer knows the rules.
Dilfer has a history of understanding football rules. He was fired from UAB and returned to Lipscomb Academy. His knowledge of the fair catch free kick rule was clear, but the officials weren’t listening.
The rule is a thing.
<p.The fair catch free kick has been used in high school football before. Teams in Ohio, Alabama, and Georgia have successfully used it to score points. It’s a rare but effective strategy in the right situation.
