Halo rule in High School Football

[onemoretime]

We were playing a team in Nashville this past week and our punt returner was trying to catch the ball and the defender was absolutely all over him. Well within 1 yard of the returner, however the opposing player did not touch him.

 

My question is, is there a halo rule protecting put returners in high school ball? The referee doing the job Friday night said "NO". Please respond!

[ELA]

I think I'm right about this, but some of you special team coaches can correct me if I'm wrong... there is no "halo" rule in high school football (NFHS rules). In fact, the punt team can catch the ball if they choose to do so (a rule change from 1997) and it is down on the spot where he catches the ball. The only thing they can't do is tackle the punt returner before he catches the ball!

[PLACALL]

no halo rule in high school football.

[yodude]

Halo rule and "two yard belt", which exist in the NFL and the NCAA don't exist in high school football. The kicking team only needs to give the returner an opportunity to catch the football. Rule 6-5-6 in N.F. rulebook states "....K shall not touch the ball or R, ..... nor obstruct R's path to the ball". It may look ugly but in high school, it is not a foul. ELA is also right about the other things which can take place on a punt or free kick.

[fan11]

what about when the returner calls for a fair catch? we had a player get run over last week on a play like this - NO FLAG WAS THROWN.