Roughing the kicker

[gebronco]

refs - snap to kicker hits the ground first or is fumbled, who then gets the punt off but is hit. Roughing the kicker was called which started a debate in the stands. Correct call?

 

[dmthunder77]

Once ball is fumbled all is fair.

 

[chitownace777]

That happened years ago here in a playoff game.Punter fumbled the ball,got it off then was hit as he got off the punt.Cost the team a game after the roughing the punter call.

 

[ref2]

A lot depends on when he was hit. Did the defender have time to avoid? was he pretending to be a runner ? Did he just pick it up and kick it?

 

[Chief321]

No

Once ball is fumbled all is fair.

Not true

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

Once the kicker punts the balk he is a punter and roughing rules apply.

 

[ref2]

The rule states this " Contact is unavoidable because it is not certain that a kick will be made"

So if there is reasonable doubt then it is not roughing the kicker