Officiating Question

[stryker]

We had this happen last night and I'm fairly sure it was applied incorrectly.

On a kickoff, the ball is popped up to the front line (did not hit the ground first) of the return team about 15 yards downfield.  We call for a fair catch, but a kicking team player jumps in front of the returner and catches the ball.  Referees awarded the ball to the kicking team.  Is this not kick catch interference sine the ball did not touch the ground on the kick and we called fair catch?

[fenderbender]

It was questioned on the broadcast too. 

[Junior11]

This is kick catching interference.  15 yard penalty from the spot and receiving teams ball.   Even if receiving team is not in the area it is still kick catching interference b/c Kicking team cannot catch a free kick.  They have to let it touch the ground 1st

 

kicking team can catch a punt if receiving team in not close to ball on the other hand

[Moshiner1345]

9 minutes ago, Junior11 said:

This is kick catching interference.  15 yard penalty from the spot and receiving teams ball.   Even if receiving team is not in the area it is still kick catching interference b/c Kicking team cannot catch a free kick.  They have to let it touch the ground 1st

 

kicking team can catch a punt if receiving team in not close to ball on the other hand

To further expand on the penalty options. R may also choose to back up K 15 yards and re-kick. 

It's also important to note, that if R chooses to enforce the 15 yard penalty from where K caught the ball in flight. They are also awarded a fair catch and may line up in a free kick formation themselves and attempt to kick a field goal off a tee without a rush for 3 points. I've never seen this option used in my 15 + years of officiating, but it does exist in the rule book.   

[Bobref]

Was this at the Roncalli game?

Also note, there is a thread in the officiating forum specifically for Week 2 officiating issues.

Edited August 28, 2021 by Bobref

[fenderbender]

Yes in the Roncalli game.