What is an onside punt in the CFL? Exploring rules in the Canadian Football League

The regulations surrounding the onside punt in Canadian football are confusing to many football fans, even though it's an entertaining play to witness. In addition to being precise and stringent, the rules have undergone significant modification to provide a more equitable and safe environment.

Football fans don't often see onside punts, but when your team does try one, it's crucial to understand the regulations. Punting is defined as letting the ball drop from your hands and kicking it with your foot before it contacts the ground in the Canadian Football League (CFL) rulebook.

Players in the CFL are free to punt at any moment. In addition, if certain requirements are met—the offensive line cannot be farther than one yard down field, and the recovering player cannot obstruct an opponent's attempt to collect the ball—the player who kicked the ball may also recover it after it has traveled at least one yard.

An onside kick is still one of the less common game situations since it is a high-risk scenario. Most often, when the kicking side is losing toward the conclusion of the game, the onside punt is used as a desperate move. If it works, it can help the kicking team in mounting a thrilling rally.

Is the onside punt legal in the NFL?

One of the biggest modifications to the NFL rulebook in history was made when the league introduced a new kickoff rule in March. The surprise onside punt is no longer possible as a result of the new kickoff style.

Teams in the league will be required to announce when they are attempting an onside kick beginning in 2024. Only two are awarded to them each game, and neither can happen before the start of the fourth quarter.

The new kickoff rule was inspired by what the XFL did during its 2023 season.

Although this regulation probably indicates that onside kicks will no longer be allowed, there is a rule that permits onside kick attempts in the fourth quarter. A team that is behind in the fourth quarter may attempt one onside punt, but they must declare their intention before the play.

The new regulation has been authorized on a trial basis for the 2024 season, and it will be reevaluated during the next offseason.