Youth game this afternoon. A 4th down scrimmage kick (punt) travels about 10 yards beyond the neutral zone, hits the ground and rebounds back about 5 yards behind the neutral zone untouched. While the ball is still rolling, R3 muffs the ball in an attempt to gain possession. K10 recovers with the ball 6 yards behind the neutral zone.

The rule book is clear that if R touches the scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone, a new series is awarded to the team last in possession.

In this situation, R did not touch the ball beyond the neutral zone, but rather behind the neutral zone. We awarded a new series to K at the spot of recovery. Was that correct?

R's coach was not happy that R3 felt the need to try to pick up the ball!

No, you were not correct. You said it yourself, R did not touch the ball beyond the NZ.

If R had blocked the punt, K recovered but not made the line to gain, would you have given K a 1st down?

I hope not.

Canadian Ruling
 

Legal. K's ball.

Bskballref is correct for NF. K would have to get the ball to the LTG in this case to be awarded a new series.

Is there an additional rule reference on this, besides 5-1-3f and 5-1-4?

How about 6-2-3.