First Touching Rule on a punt

[WhiteHat Ref]

Here's the senario, 4th down, team on offense punts the ball, down the field the ball is touched by K, R then picks up the ball and runs upfield 10 yards and fumbles the ball which is recovered by K. What is the ruling on this and where is this rule covered in the rule book?

[wisref2]

R may (and probably will) elect to take the ball at the spot of first touching. Don't have my books with me, but you'll find it under the kicking rule.

Important for the white hat to give the first touching (illegal touching) signal so everyone knows what's going on.

[dumbref]

6-2-5 or 6-1-6 for free kicks

[MadCityRef]

The right is lost if R commits a penalty after the touch.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

The right is lost if R commits a penalty after the touch.

REPLY: Their right is lost if R fouls after they touch the kick--not after the first touch by K. They also lose that right if the penalty for any foul during the down is accepted.