Rule 6-5-2 states: It is a fair catch and the ball is dead if any receiver gives a valid fair catch signal, as in Article 1, and he catches a free kick in or beyond the neutral zone to R's goal line, or a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone to R's goal line.
Situation: On a scrimmage kick, R1 gives a valid fair catch signal but then actually catches the ball within or behind the neutral zone. Am I correct that R1 is not afforded "fair catch protection" but the ball will be dead when R1 (or any receiver) possesses the ball? Also, since K may catch or recover a scrimmage kick in/behind the neutral zone, there can be no kick catching interference in this situation, correct?
I've heard two different rulings on this. One saying R1 can make a "fair catch" and one saying that there is no "fair catch" on a scrimmage kick within or behind the neutral zone.
Who's right?
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