roughing the kicker?

[mark b]

In tonight's high school game, the snap went over the punter's head...he chased it down and while under pressure from the defense and running toward the sideline, punted it down the field. (Actually not a bad kick 35 yards, in the rain and on the run.) After the kick he was hit. To be honest, I am going to have to watch the replay on TV to see exactly how the hit took place because I was watching the punt. But the ref threw a flag and gave a signal for roughing the kicker! (I might have understood if it was for a late hit or unsportsmanlike conduct but I thought the punter would be considered a running back under those circumstances.) I am a high school official in other sports but was just a confused (and possibly misinformed)spectator at this game.