punt situation

[mikesears]

Originally posted by csuram
please help as I am confused team A punts to team B, team A the team that punted the ball touches the ball after it was kicked team B the rec. team then picks the ball up and runs with it and fumbles the ball. Who's ball is it and where is it spotted. This was a high school game in IL. thanks jb

If the kicking team (Team K) touches the ball BEYOND the expanded neutral zone, it is called "first touching" and an official should drop his white bean bag at that spot. If the receiveing team (Team R) then picks up the ball and advances, the receiving (Team R) team has 2 options. First, take the results of whatever happened during the play OR second, take possession of the ball where the kicking team (Team K) "first touched" the ball (whatever is most adventageous to them). NOTE: This second option is ONLY available if the receiving (Team R) team does not commit a foul after they touch the ball.