Auburn/Florida Kick Catch Interference

[TXMike]

Originally Posted by Fan10

Even though it had no effect on the outcome of the game (since Auburn stopped UF on the ensuing possession and then won on their own possession), a hot topic on talk radio and Internet boards around here the past few days was the kick catch interference late in the Auburn/Florida game Saturday night.

I'd like to get opinions from those who saw it. The hit basically occurred a split second after the return guy caught the ball. Did you think the penalty was legit?

This call (Kick Catch Interference-KCI) has been turned it into one the most subjective in NCAA football, which is strange considering the change which removed the "halo" was allegedly made in the interest of player safety. There are 2 specific mentions of kick receivers as defenseless players in the rulebook Points of Emphasis. There is even a "when in question" rule on KCI. Seems to me the Rules Committee wants us to err on the side of safety and caution. The Approved Rulings even make clear you do not need to have contact to have KCI. Seems like if there IS contact, it should be an even easier call. Until I get downgraded or instructions from supervisor to do otherwise, I am erring on the side of making the call.