Illegal kick

[Ia-Ref]

Originally Posted by jchamp

I was LJ today when this situation happened 80 feet in front of me:

On a kickoff from K40, K's kicker almost completely whiffs and the ball barely rolls off the kicking tee. He looks at it confused for a moment, two teammates run to try to recover it, but he then kicks it again after the ball has traveled about 3 inches. This second kick travels about 5 yards, for a grand total of about 5 yards, 3 inches, and K recovers at its own 45 while R is scratching their heads.

Our result of the play: First touching by K at the K40, then K45 yard line. Kick recovered by K.

Our penalty: illegal kicking by K at the 40 yard line. It was accepted by R, 1st and 10 R at the K25.

I'm soliciting comments on our handling of this situation. If you need more details, let me know and I'll see what I can remember.

Always determine the type of play when trying to enforce a foul.
This was a loose ball play. Enforcement from the previous spot. Replay the down or in this case the kick if accepted.
In most cases, B or R cannot accept a foul on A or K before possession changes and get the ball too.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Ia-Ref

Replay the down or in this case the kick if accepted.

No qualification needed: free kicks also take place during a down (2-7-1). "Replay the down" is perfectly correct and covers the case.