Kick catch interference?

[Brian26]

Free kick from K’s 40, K pooch kicks high enough to almost get under it at the 50 but doesn’t. R55, at the 50, retreats a couple yards but comes back toward the ball just as it hits the ground at K’s 49 and K then recovers at R’s 49. Do you have kick catch interference or recovery by K at R 49?

[Brian26]

Should have noted there was no contact  until after the ball hit the ground and past the 50

[BigWill]

Recovery by K ball was grounded ... Now if K was to catch the ball in the air at  Rs 49 that would would be KCI.

[Brian26]

Recovery by K ball was grounded ... Now if K was to catch the ball in the air at  Rs 49 that would would be KCI.

Does the ball hit the ground nullify the “Obstruct R’s path to the ball” in 6.5.6b?

[NVFOA_Ump]

Does the ball hit the ground nullify the “Obstruct R’s path to the ball” in 6.5.6b?

Not if the ball was still in the air when the "obstruction" occured.

[Brian26]

Nvm, tried to post video clip of the play but couldn’t

[Ralph Damren]

Two things to remember on plays such as this....

(1) It is still KCI if an airborne free kick to touched by K even if no R player was in position to catch.

(2) A free kick that goes less than 10 yards is similar to a scrimmage kick. If K is first to touch the ball, it is first touching and a bean bag.

[BIG UMP]

Not if the ball was still in the air when the "obstruction" occured.

Yes, it is a loose ball and can be recovered by either team.

[Brian26]

Wish i could post the video clip. I guess what Im asking, does R55 need to make the attempt to catch the ball and contact needs happen in order to get the obstruction for KCI? He clearly comes up looking up at the ball in the air, reaches out but at last second decides to back away as K players come diving in. The ball hits the ground and K recovers past the  R's free kick line.

[AlUpstateNY]

Wish i could post the video clip. I guess what Im asking, does R55 need to make the attempt to catch the ball and contact needs happen in order to get the obstruction for KCI? He clearly comes up looking up at the ball in the air, reaches out but at last second decides to back away as K players come diving in. The ball hits the ground and R recovers past the 10 yard K's free kick line.

A careful reading of NFHS: 6-5-6 suggests, "While ANY kick IS IN FLIGHT in or beyond the NZ to the Receiver's goal line K SHALL NOT:

a. Touch the ball or R, unless blocked  into the ball or R, or to ward off a blocker; or

b. Obstruct R's path to the ball.

This prohibition applies even when no FC signal is given....."

[Brian26]

A careful reading of NFHS: 6-5-6 suggests, "While ANY kick IS IN FLIGHT in or beyond the NZ to the Receiver's goal line K SHALL NOT:

a. Touch the ball or R, unless blocked  into the ball or R, or to ward off a blocker; or

b. Obstruct R's path to the ball.

This prohibition applies even when no FC signal is given....."

I understand the rule, at least I think I do, but one of our WH’s say you can’t have obstruction if  R doesn’t make attempt to catch the ball and no contact is made. My opinion on the play is R backs away from the catch cause he’s avoiding the contact.

[Logical]

Contact is not a requirement.
I would like to see some attempt at catch; but no, I guess is not technically needed (i.e. could be blocked before had the opportunity to attempt a catch).

As described, this play is a matter of judgement and I believe either could be supported.
Had R stood his ground, the judgement likely would have gone in his favor (his retreat didn't help his case; could've been construed as deciding to play the bounce). Had he signaled FC and stood his ground then even a better chance to get the KCI.

If you threw a flag on this play and the WH waived off, I would not let that deter you from throwing a flag next time something similar occurs. Some WHs are likely on the same page as you.

[AlUpstateNY]

I understand the rule, at least I think I do, but one of our WH’s say you can’t have obstruction if  R doesn’t make attempt to catch the ball and no contact is made. My opinion on the play is R backs away from the catch cause he’s avoiding the contact.

I'd go with your WH's advice. (Funk & Wagnalls definition of "OBSTRUCT":  "To stop or impede movement through (a way or passage) by obstacles or impediments.