Punter protection

Question
If a team does not have a long snapper and punts the ball by snapping the ball to the QB under the center and he pitches the ball to the punter 7-8 yards behind him, does the "punter" have full protection. This seems to be a deceptive play by the offense. How can the defense not believe that the offense is going for the first down?

Answer
Hello Dave,

This is very interesting. At first thought, the play seems illegal. So I asked some official friends of mine. According to the rules, once the quarter back pitches the ball, it would be called "illegal kicking of the ball" by any other player and than the quarterback. If this play is legal in some league, then no, the punter is not protected once he receives the pitch from the quarterback. He is technically considered a runner that can advance the ball.

Thank You,

Coach Anderson