Yes, a long snapper is generally allowed and expected to lift their head immediately after executing the snap, as part of their ability to regain balance and prepare for the play.
Understanding the Long Snapper's Role and Protection
In football, the long snapper plays a specialized and critical role, often leaving them in a vulnerable position immediately after the snap. Due to this vulnerability, specific rules are in place to protect them, allowing them to safely transition from snapping the ball to participating in the play.
The Rule on Snapper Protection
Football rules, across various leagues like the NFL and NCAA, aim to protect the long snapper (and other special teams players like kickers and holders) from unnecessary contact. This protection extends to the moments immediately after the snap, which includes the physical act of lifting their head.
- NFL Rule 9, Section 1, Article 3 (often referred to as "Roughing the Snapper" or "Running Into/Roughing the Kicker/Holder"): This rule generally states that no defensive player may run into or rough a snapper during a snap or during the immediate subsequent movement after the snap, until the snapper has had a reasonable opportunity to regain their balance and protect themselves.
- Key implication: Regaining balance and protecting oneself inherently involves lifting the head to assess the play and engage safely.
Why Head Movement is Crucial
The ability to lift their head is vital for a long snapper for several reasons:
- Player Safety: After snapping the ball, the snapper's head is often down. Lifting it allows them to see oncoming rushers and protect themselves from potential collisions, especially from defensive players trying to block the kick or punt.
- Participation in the Play: Once the snap is complete, the long snapper transitions from a static position to an active blocker or, in rare cases, a defender on a fake punt/field goal. Seeing the field is essential for these actions.
- Preventing Injury: Keeping their head down for too long after the snap significantly increases the risk of head, neck, and spinal injuries due to blind contact.
The Practical Reality: Judgment Calls
While the rules are clear that snappers should be allowed to get their head up, the enforcement of this rule can sometimes be subjective.
- Opposing Tactics: Some defensive teams might, despite the rules, try to impede the snapper's ability to get their head up quickly or engage them immediately to disrupt their blocking assignments.
- Official Discretion: Whether a defender's action constitutes "roughing" or "running into" the snapper is always a judgment call for the officiating crew. This means that while defenders are technically supposed to allow the snapper to get up, penalties for failing to do so are not called as frequently as one might expect. Officials weigh various factors, including the severity of the contact, the timing, and whether the defender had a reasonable opportunity to avoid contact.
Here's a simplified breakdown of the general expectations:
| Action | Snapper's Role | Opponent's Role (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| During Snap | Head down, focus on ball placement | Avoid immediate contact |
| Immediately After Snap | Lift head, regain balance, assess field | Allow snapper to lift head and regain balance |
| After Balance Regained | Engage in blocking/coverage | Engage with snapper (once protected and active in play) |
Conclusion
In summary, a long snapper is definitely supposed to be allowed to move their head up immediately after snapping the ball. This is a fundamental aspect of player safety and allows them to perform their subsequent duties on the play. While some tactical maneuvers by opponents might test this allowance, officials are tasked with protecting these vulnerable players.
