It seems kicking is called very inconsistently under high school rules. I had always heard that kicking is a violation only when it, in effect, blocks an attempted pass. But, I see it called often just when the ball inadvertantly hits a foot and goes rolling away.

When should it be called?

SECTION 29 KICKING THE BALL
Kicking the ball is intentionally striking it with any part of the leg or foot.

It should be called when its an intentional kick. I agree we do seem to call it very inconsistently. A lot of that is due to bad angles.

I see this called very consistently. What happens is people want a kick every time it touches someone’s leg. I do not see this rule call any differently than any other rule. Most people (fans and coaches) do not understand the rule so they complain when a pass just hit a player in the leg.

Peace

I agree, a pass bounces off a kid’s foot and all you hear from the stands is “KICK!! KICK!!”
People don't understand the rule.

Also agree. I had a pass the other night that was tipped by one defender and then hit a different defender's leg. I heard a few "kick" comments from the sideline.