USA Football Rules Editor Bill LeMonnier is a former college referee who currently serves as an ESPN NCAA rules analyst. Click here to ask Bill a question. Make sure to put “Ask the Official” in the subject line.

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What is the rule when a punt or field goal is blocked? Who can pick up the ball and run with it?

The rule is the same – for the most part – in both high school and college. A punt or field goal that is blocked and remains behind the line of scrimmage can be picked up and advanced by either team.

For any field goal or punt that is partially blocked and travels beyond the line of scrimmage, think of it as a regular punt. The kicking team can down the ball but not advance it unless first touched by the defense after it crosses the line. The defense can pick up the ball and run with it or let it roll dead.

One difference between the college and high school rules comes when a partially blocked field goal travels beyond the line and is eventually downed or rolls dead. At the high school level, think of it again as a punt. Wherever the ball is downed is where the ball is spot. At the college level, the ball is returned to the 20-yard line or the previous line of scrimmage, whichever benefits the defensive team.

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Can a punt returner or kick returner pass the ball?

Anyone can throw a lateral in which the ball travels parallel to or behind the spot where the pass originated. In no circumstance can a kick or punt returner throw a legal forward pass.