Quote:
Originally Posted by Altor
So, I was thinking this at first too...but then I dug into the rulebook to double check myself and I don't believe the expanded neutral zone applies in this situation.
Rule 6-2-6 refers to the touching of a LOW scrimmage kick in or behind the expanded neutral zone and says to ignore it. When I read this, I'm thinking of a blocked or partially blocked kick that does not clear the lineman. I don't believe this is intended to include a high punt that comes down in the expanded part of the expanded neutral zone.
Rule 6-2-4 allows K to recover a kick that has been touched beyond the neutral zone (not expanded neutral zone) by R.
Am I incorrect here?
edit: just read case book 6.2.6. I believe the wording of this supports me as well.
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If it was that type of kick, you're right. Officials have to see where the ball was touched, then locate that relative to the down stick. Theoretically the R player on a ball in the air has a chance to camp under it, get a look at the down stick, and then decide whether to play the ball. The "expanded neutral zone" provisions are intended mostly to save a player of R who might not be able to get out of the way of a ground ball or is trying to block a line drive.