What it is

A player on the kicking team interferes with the returner’s chance to catch a punt or kickoff, such as hitting him before the ball arrives.

The penalty

The penalty is 15 yards from the spot of the foul. The receiving team gets the ball at the spot of the foul with 15 yards added in its favor.

More detail

The returner must have a fair chance to catch the ball. This is a different foul from a tackle after the catch.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. A punt is in the air and the returner is waiting to catch it.
2. A player from the kicking team arrives early and hits him before the ball gets there.
3. The officials flag kick-catch interference. The returner gets a fair chance: fifteen yards from the spot of the foul.