REPLY: I agree that this has been a lively and professional discussion where an honest disagreement exists.

There is no specific reference in the 2004 Federation rule book or case book that explicitly says that 'first touching' is <i>illegal</i>. However, 2-16-6 makes note of first touching as one of the "...Game situations which produce results somewhat similar to penalties, but which are not classed as fouls." Does that mean they're not <u>illegal</u> just because they're not called "fouls?" Personally, I don't think so.

Interestingly, the NCAA rule book uses a slightly different wording. They say that a player on the kicking team may <i>"...During a scrimmage kick play or a free kick play, <b>when he is eligible to touch the ball</b>, legally use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to push an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball."</i>

In my opinion, this is a much clearer way of stating it, and I believe that the intention of both rule codes is the same.