When does the game clock start on a free-kick?

The correct answer is that the game clock starts when the ball is touched, except for the first touching by the kicking team. This rule is in place to ensure that the game clock accurately reflects the time during which the ball is legitimately in play. The moment the receiving team touches the ball, it signifies that a play has begun, and thus, the clock should start running.

An important aspect of this rule is that if the kicking team (team K) is the first to touch the ball during the free kick, the clock does not start. This exception protects the receiving team's right to control the ball and manage the game’s pacing without being at a disadvantage if the ball inadvertently touches a player from the kicking team before it is legally touched by the receiving team.

When considering the other choices, it's clear that they do not embody the precise conditions outlined in the NFHS rules governing when to start the clock following a free kick. The clock does not start immediately after the referee signals, nor does it start just upon the kick being made, and it certainly does not depend solely on the ball going into the end zone. Understanding this framework allows players, coaches, and officials to manage the game effectively concerning time management and strategic play.