This actually happened last Friday.

4th down FG attempt by K.
Holder muffs the snap.
While the ball is loose, K kicks the ball and it passes over the crossbar and between the uprights.
Flag for illegal kick.

What options should be given to R?

I'll post the ruling made on the field after several responses on this board.

Isn't this an exact case book play?

Yep - here it is, page 75. It says that if the penalty is declined, touchback as an illegal kick cannot score a FG. I guess if they accept the penalty, it's 15 yards and replay the down.

What an opportunity to excel.

Just think: if that play was Week 10, District title on the line, last play of the game, the home team losing by two points...


WOW!

This was not the last play of the game but it was a 12 to 9 final score. The team with 9 was the one who kicked the loose ball and I understand that it was a "tough sell".

As Al says, it's a TB if the penalty declined or a rekick from 15 yards further back.

I betting that the only option presented was a rekick.

Great answer (and correct). Most of the people that are asked about this play get it wrong.

The Referee in this game offered them the oppurtunity to decline and take the TB, which they did. My previous post should have been a hint as to what happened when I said it was a "tough sell" to team K.