Auburn/Florida Kick Catch Interference
 

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.

TXMike, How much time or what must the receiver do before getting tacked by K so that it is not KCI? :confused:

It is like porn...I can't tell you what it is but I know it when I see it ;)

In my mind, the returner must have an unimpeded opportuinty to complete the catch. That means he needs to be able to demonstrate he can do something after having the ball. i.e. start to step, move the ball, etc

Thanks, never hear it put that way but it makes great sense...;)

Our college supervisor gave us these guidelines when deciding to call KCI or not.
1. Was his head still up, if so, flag it. (his head comes down pretty quickly after he catches it so if not down yet, then flag)
2. Was he able to get the ball secured? If not, flag it. (arms still extended... couldn't tuck it away yet...)

I also have given my BJ on our NF crew one other thing to think about. I tell him that if he is sure, have a flag on the ground, but if in doubt, if the ball is muffed, flag it but if not muffed, don't flag it. I repeat, he will have a flag if he is sure, no matter if muffed or not. He will have no flag if he is sure no KCI, whether muffed or not. He uses the muff/flag and no mufff/no flag only when in doubt. I think that is a good philosophy when in doubt.

Here is the video

It is about 5:40 in.

Sounds good to me.

It is a good call. He did not have an unimpeeded opportunity to catch the ball.