Illegal Participation

[BIG DON]

Guys help an old feller out; I am having; a brain fart, and I don't have my rule book with me.

Play:
K free-kick down to R 10-yard line near the sideline
R player goes out of bounds on his own, comes back inbound, and is the first player to touch a grounded kick.

Is this Illegal Participation?

[HLinNC]

First to touch has no bearing in NFHS.
A&K may not go out of bounds and return unless forced out. If forced out, they must return at the first opportunity.
NO player may intentionally go out of bounds and return.  You would have to rule that R went out intentionally and returned for it to be IP.

[BIG DON]

We missed that call on friday night,  the player for r was backing up to catch the kick near the sideline when he stepped out of bounds with both feet, he let the ball hit the ground and as it was rolling towards the out of bounds he stepped back in and picked up the ball and ran for about 5 yards where he was tackled.  from my postion it did not look right but my U did not have a flag on the ground.  and it was not until I was reviewing the game when i saw the whole play.  Guess I have a new part to add to my pregame next week.

[HLinNC]

Unless you felt R did it on purpose, sounds like you didn't miss anything.  B/R are not restricted from inadvertently going out of bounds per Reddings NFHS Guide, pg 133 2020.

[bossman72]

Only A/K is subject to IP.  Sounds like nothing.

[CalhounLJ]

Only A/K is subject to IP.  Sounds like nothing.

Careful with that "only" word. 9-6-2, 3, and 4 seem to suggest otherwise.

Also, Casebook play 9.6.2 Situation C.