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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Officials Ruled Correctly on Overtime Onside Kick

March 3, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK -- During Sunday's Dallas-Arizona game, the Rattlers kicked off in overtime, recovered their own onside kick and scored on the ensuing possession. Although Dallas failed to recover the onside kick, AFL rules stipulate that this was not considered a possession for the Desperados. Following is the AFL rule pertinent to this situation from the 2003 Rule Book:

RULE 15.3: Fairness of Overtime

Arena Football is dedicated to the fact that there must be equal opportunity for both teams in overtime. Arena Football does not want the unfair situation of one team winning the toss of the coin, advancing the ball, kicking a field goal and winning the game without the original kickers ever having a chance of possessing the football. Therefore, each team will receive an opportunity to possess the ball, by a series of downs (kick, run or pass), unless there is a defensive score in the first possession of the overtime period. A safety or interception for a touchdown will end the game. A fumbled kick return counts as a possession. A muffed kick or successful onside kick will not count as a possession.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 3, 2003


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