youth football

Question
QUESTION: I am the coach of a 11-12 youth football team. Last week the team we played did not use the kicking tee during the kickoff. My question, is it legal not to use the kicking tee when kicking off.

ANSWER: Steve,
Yes it is legal no to use a kicking tee on a Free Kick/Kick Off.  The ball may be kicked from the ground.
Thanks for the question,
Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does the ball have to be in a upright position or can it just be laying on the laces ?

Answer
The Kick off/free kick that is put into play by a place kick may be kicked from the ground.  The rule does not address the positioning og the ball other than requiring it be kicked from the Free Kick restraining line.  It may be held upright by a holder or held flat by a holder or it may be kicked from the ground in any position.

Your question is in reference to Youth Football, most likely you play under National Federation Football Rules.  The rules that govern the kick off are 2-24-3; 2-24-5; 2-24-7; 6-1-1; 6-1-2.
Under NCAA rules a free kick may be made with the ball positioned on a tee or the ground. It may be controlled by a teammate and the ball may be positioned on the ground and contacting the tee.