When does a kicker become a runner?

[Ed Hickland]

This week team A in scrimmage kick formation. Ball snapped to A33 goes over his head. A33 reaches for ball and tips it just enough to slow it down. He then turns around with his back to the LOS, runs about 5 yards and picks up the ball.

Having retrieved the ball he turns as if to run. B73 targeting A33 for a tackle goes to tackle A33 just as he stops and kicks the ball for a good 30 yard punt with B73 strecthed across his body. Just as the punt gets off they both hit the ground.

Team A coach is livid. "That should have been roughing the kicker, the rules interpreter said any time you touch the kicker it is either running into or roughing," he shouts.

Response, your kicker was acting as a runner and was eligible to be tackled.

Later on looking at the rulebook and casebook that is covered by NFHS 9-4-4 and casebook situation 9.4.4 Situation B.

Comments?