	AllExperts > Football Trivia (General)
	Search

About Jim Considine
Expertise
I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens. My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.

Experience
I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)

Organizations
Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003

Publications
The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996. I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper. http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594

Education/Credentials
I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged. The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.

Awards and Honors
I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.

Past/Present Clients
Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins

You are here: Experts > Sports > Football > Football Trivia (General) > Nfl fair catch rule

Football Trivia (General) - Nfl fair catch rule

Expert: Jim Considine - 10/27/2009

Question
When was the fair catch first started in the NFL? thank you

Answer
Hi Joe,
The "fair catch rule" predates the NFL. As far as I can tell, when football was created from rugby, this is one of the rules that came with the game.
The rule was given structure in 1894 by football legend Walter Camp. Walter, who is credited for adapting the game of rugby into "American Football" came up with an official signal for a fair catch.
In 1868, Rugby was introduced in Montreal by British soldiers. The game was changed slightly and played in the USA at Harvard in 1869. Consequently, American football and Canadian football evolved independently from each other. The Canadian Football was created about 20 years before the NFL was organized. The fair catch is not used in the CFL. In the early years, American Football drew much scorn for it's brutish play. The fair catch was one of it's saving graces.
Read about this at http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F06EFD91031E033A2575BC0A9649C...

Add to this Answer Ask a Question