This is the email officials have received today from our state association:
We’ve received several rule questions on the new rule addressing free and scrimmage kicks.
Q: 6-1-9b (NEW), 6-1-9b PENALTY (NEW), 10-4-2 EXCEPTION (NEW), 10-5-1j (NEW): New penalty option adopted for fouls by kicking team.
Rationale: In an effort to reduce re-kicks, further minimize risk and ensure that appropriate penalties are in place for all fouls, the committee has added an option for fouls committed by the kicking team during free and scrimmage kicks. The change would allow the receiving team all of the previous options as well as accepting the distance penalty at the end of the down.
However, when the rule book was published 10-4-2 EXCEPTION was changed to during a free or scrimmage kick down.
There is a significant difference between the two phrases. During the kick down includes activity after the kick has ended. I think that they meant to say during the kick, but that is not how it is now written.
Q: 4th down, K punts but commits an illegal formation foul. R returns the ball for a TD. Under the existing enforcement for fouls during a scoring play, can R take the score and enforce the 5 yard penalty on the try? Or is the phrase "during the down" significant in that the illegal formation actually happens prior to the down. Since there is not necessarily "action" on an illegal formation foul. Say there is only 6 on the line and all are set. As in case book situation 7.2.1 B I say 10-4-2a previous spot if accepted. But other officials think it could be tacked on.
A: The intent was “during the kick” not during the “kick down.” The foul must occur during the kick. This foul occurs during the kick down so the new rule doesn't apply. The foul must occur during the kick, not during the kick down as the rulebook states. A subtle but important distinction.