scrimmage kick situation

[kentref]

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!