Ralph, as a long time NFHS rules guy what's your take on why 6-1-7 is in the book?
IMHO, while the free kick is still in the 10 yard neutral zone it is treated the same as a punt. Thus ,first touching would apply. 6-2-5 gives a similar situation for scrimmage kicks. Possibly ,under rule 6, you could have a section :" First touching"; but there is a difference as it has to occur in the neutral zone for a free kick and down field for a scrimmage kick. I can't recall of this ever being discussed - even at last call
- and would be an editorial change ,if made.