Punt Discussion:

The addition of live punting to the game has been a definite improvement to the game but it has not been without flaws. First, the average punt is probably 30 yards or less. Every so often someone will kick a boomer but more often than not, that's not the case. Also, some have suggested that if the ball lands inside the 5 it should stay there. Another suggestion is that if the ball rolls the ball should be placed where it stops (or goes out of bounds).

I am open to the idea of allowing a team to have to start inside the 5 though I fear the arguments that will occur when the ball lands very near the goal line ("Touchback" "No it wasn't! It's on the 1!").

I'm less open to the idea of letting the ball roll because the punting team would essentially be able to "further their punt" while the receiving team could at best hope to catch it and move it back 5 yards. So it seems unbalanced.

Here's what I propose:

1) Punter can kick from the line of scrimmage rather than 7 yards back.
2) If the ball lands inside the 8 (without being caught), the ball starts where the punt first landed.
3) If the ball lands at or outside the 8, the punting team can move it 5 yards).
4) If the receiving team catches the ball (no matter where on the field), normal rules apply (receiving team can move it 5 yards).
5) If the ball goes out of bounds, the ball is placed at the spot where the ball crossed the sideline.
6) If the ball lands in the endzone or out of bounds past the goal line, the ball is placed at the 8.

I'm open to suggestions.