Question about fake field goals

[MgoMatt]

I was wondering. On a fake field goal, the holder has posession of the ball, with his knee down, and then stands up and throws a pass.

Why is he not "down"? Is there an exception for holders?

[Wolvrin704]

It would be the same for field goal attempts then in that case. I really have no idea why though, must be the exception to the rule I suppose.

[GoBlue21]

http://en.allexperts.com/q/College-Football-2792/NCAA-Fake-Field-Goal.htm

The reason is because of NCAA Football Rule 4-1-3(b, exception). This rule creates the exception to the ball being declared dead when a player's knee is down touching the ground. The exception applies only to the HOLDER when an offensive player kicks or simulates kicking the ball for a place kick (Field Goal). By rule the ball may be advanced, kicked or passed.

In college football the holder may place his knee on the ground and the ball is not declared dead. The rationale for this exception is because the holder is a position that holds the ball for a place kick. After receiving the snap it would be illogical to declare the ball dead because the holder's knee was on the ground. It would defeat the purpose of a holder and the purpose of a place kick.