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Expert: - 11/24/2008


Question
           what signals a fair catch by the receiver of the punt

Answer
Johnny,
Thank you for your question about signaling a fair catch.
A valid signal for a Fair Catch is by rule:  a signal given by a player of Team B who has obviously signalled his intention by extending one hand only clearly above his head and waving that hand from side to side of his body more than once.


A fair catch of a scrimmage kick is a catch beyond the neutral zone by a player of Team B who has made a valid signal during a scrimmage kick that is untouched beyond the neutral zone.

b. A fair catch of a free kick is a catch by a player of Team B who has made a valid signal during an untouched free kick.

c. A valid or invalid fair catch signal deprives the receiving team of the opportunity to advance the ball, and the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch or recovery or at the spot of the signal if the catch precedes the signal (Rule 6-5-1-a Exception).

d. If the receiver shades his eyes from the sun, the ball is live and may be advanced. (This is not a Fair Catch Signal.)
Valid Signal

Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official  

College Football

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