Punting

The team that chooses to punt must announce their choice and the defensive team must have five players on the line of scrimmage. These five players may not cross the line of scrimmage. If the ball hits the ground during game time, it is dead. The punt may be returned so long as the receiver does not muff the ball or, the ball hits the ground first. In both cases the ball will be dead at the spot. * (Note that a team may throw the ball instead of kicking it during the punt)