HS KICK OFF RULES

Question
I'm a mom with a question regarding kick off and the kicking team. Once the ball is kicked over 10 yards does it have to touch the ground before the kicking team can go for it? This would be High School rules.

Answer
Patty
Thanks for the question.  Yes, the ball must travel 10 yards before the Kicking team can gain and retain possession of the ball.  If the catch the airborne kick before it touches the ground under the high school rules [NFHS] the kicking team is guilty of kick catch interference even if there is no recoever in the area - a rule unique to high school rules.

If a player on the recieving team touches the ball then the kicking team can keep the ball after they recover it.