Roughing the kicker

[PHJIrish]

The new "style" punt is for the punter to take steps to the side and then kick the ball downfield.  Does taking these steps negate roughing the kicker? When does he become a threat to run, how many steps?  I still don't see the advantage kicking the ball, basically, on the run.

[Bobref]

Strictly speaking, this changes nothing. There is an exception in the roughing the kicker rule for contact on the kicker that is “unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain a kick was going to be made.” If the kicker is simply taking a few steps to the side before he kicks the ball, that does not divest him of the protection afforded by the rule. The onus is always on the defense to avoid contact with the kicker if possible.

[PHJIrish]

On 11/4/2023 at 4:34 PM, Bobref said:

Strictly speaking, this changes nothing. There is an exception in the roughing the kicker rule for contact on the kicker that is “unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain a kick was going to be made.” If the kicker is simply taking a few steps to the side before he kicks the ball, that does not divest him of the protection afforded by the rule. The onus is always on the defense to avoid contact with the kicker if possible.

Thanks, Bob!

[JustRules]

One good factor to consider on these plays is if the defender's actions appear to be a tackle or attempt to block a kick. And if he makes contact before the ball is kicked, then it's easy. This is more common though on a bad snap where it's not obvious if he's going to kick it.