Doesn't that seem backwards to you, Jeff?
The player is penalized for swinging (or kicking) and successfully making contact with the ball, but the less-controlled action of swinging and missing, which should be more dangerous, is not against the rules!
I'm not disagreeing that the rationale behind the violations is that the NFHS considers those dangerous actions. I am merely pointing out the irony.
In NFHS basketball, no contact = no violation. (Excepting excessive arms and elbows swinging or fighting.)
At least in soccer playing in a dangerous manner can be penalized whether or not contact occurs with another player or the ball.
I guess that's the NFHS for ya.
