Scrimmage Kick

[waltjp]

I pulled this play from one of the NASO quizzes. I don't agree with their ruling. What do you think?

Fourth and three for team K from team R's 24 yardline. Holder K1, on one knee, takes the snap and puts the ball on the tee. Kicker K2 runs up as if to kick but bends down, scoops the ball off the tee and advances to team R's 15 yardline, where he is downed. After K2 grabbed the ball, K1 rose off his knee and blocked for K2.

a. The ball is dead when K2 grabs it.
b. The ball is dead when K1 rises off his knee.
c. Legal play.

According to them the correct answer is "C. Legal Play".

Rule 4.2.2 Exc. says that the ball remains alive if the holder rises to advance, hand, kick or pass.

Does the kicker grabbing the ball constitute handing?

[waltjp]

Imagine my surprise when, after posting my question, I start to read the board and find that the very next post addresses this question.

[Theisey]

You can read some more about this over at:
http://www.gmcgriff.com/discus/messages/4/1527.html