What happens if a kicker gets contacted before kicking the ball?

When a kicker is contacted before he has a chance to kick the ball, the correct enforcement is a 15-yard penalty for roughing the kicker. This penalty is designed to protect the kicker during his vulnerable moment of executing the kick. The rule reflects a commitment to player safety, acknowledging that kickers are often in a precarious position and should not be subjected to heavy contact until after they have made their kick.

The enforcement of this penalty not only provides a measurement to protect the kicker but also gives the offensive team another opportunity to advance the ball, often resulting in a significant change in possession or field position. Additionally, if the contact occurs during a kick attempt, the penalty can also result in an automatic first down, granting the offensive team an advantage.

In contrast, if the ball is kicked and contact is made afterward, or if the contact is incidental and doesn't qualify as roughing, different rules apply, and there may be no penalty at all. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nuances of penalty enforcement related to kicking plays.