This protection is also extended to the holder of a place kick.
It is not a foul if the contact is not severe, or if the kicker returns both feet to the ground prior to the contact and falls over a defender who is on the ground.
[2] The penalty for such a violation in most leagues is 15 yards and an automatic first down.
If the violation occurs when a successful field goal is kicked, the yardage is assessed on the ensuing kickoff, unless the offended team elects to accept the penalty and continue its drive in hopes of scoring a touchdown, which is referred to "taking the points off the board".
"[4] In 1917, penalties for roughing the kicker were measured from the spot where the ball was put out of play.