Kicking
 

I read in the rulebook that a kicking violation must be an intentional act. That is, the defender must try to kick the ball in order for there to be a violation.

I've seen several kicking calls recently where the ball just hit the foot of the defender while the foot was stationary.

What is the rule? How is it interpreted?

You got it right with your first line. What's the question? The other interpretations were either wrong or you "miss saw it."

If a ball strikes a players foot or leg accidentally, play on. No violation.

EDIT - See Rule Book 9-3, Section 4 or Case Book 4.29 - Unfortunately, I can't paste them, but someone probably will.

I'm watching the Indiana-Michigan State game, and a Spartan tried to bounce pass to his teammate, but the ball hit a Hoosier foot, while the foot was stationary. This part I'm sure of. Hightower called a kick.

Gotta love Ed Hightower.

And By The Way, It Can Be A Kick By An Offensive Player ...
 

4.29 SITUATION: During A1's attempt to pass to A2, B1 (a) intentionally uses his/her thigh to deflect the pass; (b) intentionally kicks the ball with his/her foot; or (c) has the ball accidentally hit his/her lower leg. RULING: In (a) and (b), there is a kicking violation and Team A will receive the ball out of bounds nearest the violation. In (c), the ball remains live and there is no violation. (9-4)

I interpret "intentionally kicks" loosely here. Example: A1 has the ball, B2 is guarding A2 with his back to A1. A1 starts a pass to A2. B2 notices A2 starting to reach for the ball and kicks out his leg. B2 can't see the ball, since his back is to it, but the ball contacts his moving foot.

RULING: kicking violation, even though it would be a stretch to say that B2 was intentionally kicking the ball.

NB: this is NOT what coaches mean when they tell their players to play defense with their feet. ;)

bas,

Here is a thread that I started about kicking and some philosophy.