Kci
 

Can a kick team catch a free kick after going 10 yards but before it is grounded? My thought is a penalty for KCI according to Rule 6.1.6

Correct, anytime K catches a free kick in flight it is KCI. This applies even when no R player is in a position to catch the ball. R can have all of it's players 30 yards away, not moving towards the ball and this would still be KCI.

The BJ (or whoever is watching the ball on K's restraining line) should pay attention to whether or not the kicker topped the ball and bounced it up into the air. When in doubt, throw the flag for KCI and wave it off if the covering official says the ball hit the ground first.

No they cannot. The ball must hit the ground first. This happened in a State Finals game with my crew member (he was filling in for someone else) and he got the play right.

Peace

The resulting discussion with K's coach is always a pleasure as well.

There is one exception to consider...
It's a technical one at that, but a team-K player can catch a free kick if the ball happens to have been muffed by the team-R receiver into the air.

However, in this case, it would not be KCI. Just be aware should it happen.

NCAA rule for this same play is different, and if you want a ruling... it can be provided if you like.

NFHS: No
NCAA: Yes, provided that nobody from B is in position to catch the kick