Protection for the Punter

[FLAHL]

We have specific rule coverage that prevents R players from hitting the kicker on a free kick.
“He continues to be the kicker until he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance or until after a free kick, he has advanced 5 yards beyond his free-kick line or the kick has touched the ground or any other player.”

When K punts, can R block the punter as soon as he regains his balance? 

I had a punter with a cast on his arm yesterday and I probably gave him more protection than the rule allows, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

[ref4e]

We have specific rule coverage that prevents R players from hitting the kicker on a free kick.
“He continues to be the kicker until he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance or until after a free kick, he has advanced 5 yards beyond his free-kick line or the kick has touched the ground or any other player.”

When K punts, can R block the punter as soon as he regains his balance? 

I had a punter with a cast on his arm yesterday and I probably gave him more protection than the rule allows, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

Are you referring to a punt on a scrimmage kick, or a punt used for a free kick (after a safety)?

IMHO, on a scrimmage kick, the punter can be blocked once he regains his balance and moves to participate in the play (provided the contact does not violate 9-4-3b).    But on a punt used as a free kick, the 5 yard rule still applies.

[Atlanta Blue]

But on a punt used as a free kick, the 5 yard rule still applies.

Because regardless of how the ball is put in play, it's still a "kickoff", a free kick, even after a safety.

[SCHSref]

We have specific rule coverage that prevents R players from hitting the kicker on a free kick.
“He continues to be the kicker until he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance or until after a free kick, he has advanced 5 yards beyond his free-kick line or the kick has touched the ground or any other player.”

When K punts, can R block the punter as soon as he regains his balance? 

I had a punter with a cast on his arm yesterday and I probably gave him more protection than the rule allows, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

I reckon it would depend on how far past the LOS the kick traveled, but why would someone blow up the punter as soon as he regained his balance.  Seems almost like a defenseless player issue to me