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Originally posted by James Neil
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3. A 4/10 A40. A99's punt is high. B45 is in position to make a catch at the B30. Just as B45 is receiving the punt (touching the ball) A25 "de-cleats" him with a ferocious hit, causing him to muff the ball. The ball is subsequently recovered by A45 on the B25.
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I believe the rule states that B must be given an unhindered opportunity to CATCH the ball.
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That was my first thought too Mike. But the only unhindered opportunity references Ive found so far pertain to PI restrictions. What I did find was NF> 6-5-6, and it states in part "While any scrimmage kick is in flight K shall not touch the ball or R unless blocked into the ball or R or to ward off a blocker , nor obstruct R's path to the ball .
If B45 is already in position to make a catch and is touching the ball before A25 "de-cleats" him I see no reason to penalize K for a well timed hit as long as the contact is legal. So my final ruling on this one was K 1/10 @ R-25 , clock on snap
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You are right. I always try to do these without my rulebook and this one bit me. If the receiver wants protection, he should signal for a fair catch, right?