Region One Football Officials Association Rule Topics: Fair Catch We Are All Here to Learn

Definition – Fair Catch (Rule 2-9-1) A catch by a receiver, after a valid signal, under conditions in which the receiver forfeits right to advance the ball in return for protection from being blocked or tackled by an opponent. Fair catch may be given: Free Kick: In or beyond NZ Scrimmage Kick: beyond the NZ What happens if Team R gives signal behind the NZ?

3 Types of Signals - Definitions Valid fair-catch signal {2-9-3} extending & lateral waving of 1 arm, at full arm’s length above the head, by any member of Receiving Team. Invalid fair-catch signal {2-9-4} any signal by a receiver: Before kick is caught or recovered that does not meet the requirements of a valid signal (e.g. 2 arms signaling or hand does not extend above the head) After the kick has touched a receiver After the kick has touched the ground Illegal fair-catch signal {2-9-5} any signal by a runner After the kick has been caught or recovered

Protection Only the receiver who gives a valid signal is afforded protection. [Rule 6-5-3] Contacting a teammate of the signaler (or a signaler who has given an invalid signal) is not a foul unless the contact is unnecessary roughness or another type of personal foul. Protection ends when kick is touched by a receiver beyond the line or it strikes the ground.

Blocking Any receiver who gives a valid or invalid fair- catch signal is prohibited from blocking until the kick has ended. [Rule 6-5-1 & 9-3-3] Penalty 15 yards, blocking after signal A receiver who gives fair-catch signal can still make a legal attempt (push, pull, or ward off an opponent) to secure a muff or loose ball. [Rule 2-2-4c & 2-2-5b]

Awarded Fair Catch Awarded fair catch (after enforcement of a 15-yard penalty from spot of foul) is one enforcement options the offended team may choose for kick-catching interference foul. [2-9-2] Option #2: 15-yard penalty previous spot & replay the down Option #3: results of the play

Summary R can never advance a kick after giving a signal. After the signal, the ball must be caught for a fair catch. A ball which touches the ground and is recovered is not a fair catch. A scrimmage kick recovered by K in or behind the NZ remains live even though R signals. A fair catch cannot be made behind the line on a scrimmage kick or behind K’s free kick line on a free kick, but the ball becomes dead when caught or recovered by receiving team if a signal is given. After a fair catch is made or awarded, R’s captain has the right (6-5-4): To put the ball in play by snap; or To put the ball in play by free kick for a field goal; From anywhere between the hash marks Options remain is dead ball foul prior to down or foul or inadvertent whistle occurs during the down & down is replayed

Did You Know? Electing to put the ball in play by free kick following a fair catch or awarded fair catch gives R only 2 options if that free kick goes OOB: Put the ball in play from the inbounds spot 25 yards beyond the previous spot Decline the penalty & put the ball in play at the inbounds spot