My third junior high game of the day (NFHS)...

K punts from the 50. R1 runs up and muffs it at his 30 and K's snapper, who released immediately after the snap (as did one of K's guards) recovers it at R's 38. R's coach wants to know why there wasn't a flag for an inelligible man downfield on the center. I told him the center can be down the field before the punt.

I don't see anything in the rulebook (Rule 6) regarding lineman being illegally downfield on a PUNT.

Did I get this correct?
Thanks in advance for your time.

Because this game was not played on Sunday under NFL rules.

Yeah as Bulldog was hinting at, Illegal downfield doesn't apply to teams in scrimmage kick formation in HS; pretty sure it exists in NCAA and NFL. Though I would be sure to know the #s of eligibles on my side though

Canadian Ruling
 

Legal. K's recovery after R's muff gives K the ball.

Only the NFL has a rule on ineligibles downfield on a scrimmage kick. There is no such rule in NF or NCAA.