Kick off question

[jstafan]

let me run this one by you guys, K gets to kick from team R 30 yd line,(penalties from previous play from B) K pops the ball high and the ball travels 15 yds. to B's 15, one of K's players gets to the ball while the ball is still in air, and jumps for ball, R jumps also, k catches ball but while catching collides with R. No fair catch was called. Whats the rulling? Thanks

[AFHusker]

When you say k "pops the ball high", did it hit the ground and then pop high or did they kick it high? If it hit the ground, it is K's ball where they gained possession. If it did not hit the ground, you have kick-catching interference. R has the choice of an awarded fair catch the spot of the foul or penalize K 15 yards and rekick.

[jstafan]

no it did not hit the ground.

[mbyron]

jstafan: you seem to have some real interest in the rules of the game (as opposed to mere fan interest). Why not contact your local association, get a rule book, and pick up some stripes?

[DocLogic]

This is a basic "kick catching interference". K cannot touch the ball on a free kick prior to the ball touching the ground or a R player.

[whitehat]

Free Kick must go 10 yards and touch the ground before K can recover legally. If R touches it (unless R was blocked/pushed by K into the ball) before it goes 10 yards then K can recover.