Onside Kick Clarification

[Lions Fan]

I attended an Ohio high school football game last night where an onside kick was attempted. The kicker kicked it in the air towards the right sideline and one of the kicking team players ran down and caught it in the air. The ball traveled 20 yards in the air and never touched the ground. A penalty was called on the kicking team because the referee ruled that the ball must first touch the ground before the kicking team can take possession. Does anyone know if this correct and possibly the rule number in the rule book?? Thank you.

[Cruser]

NFHS Rule 6-5-6

"While any free kick is in flight in or beyond the neutral zone to the receiver's goal line...K shall not touch the ball or R"

The penalty would be kick catching interference. Notice that the exception under 6-5-6 does not apply to this situation because here we have a free kick and not a scrimmage kick.

[Lions Fan]

Thanks a bunch!! That is what was called. I appreciate your help!