|
Think about the intent of 6-5-5. Once a fair catch signal has been given the defense can now relax because they know R will not be returning the kick.
Once the muff occurs either team can recover, but not advance. K could never advance the recovered kick and R gave up the right to advance the kick once a fair catch signal is given.
Let me add this note for officials who don't remember the old timing rule. Before 1997 if K wanted the clock to start on the snap, they had to signal and make a fair catch. The fact that A1 signaled a fair catch and A2 caught the ball was not and, even today is not, a fair catch. Previous to 1997, if any other player caught the ball the clock started on the ready. That had great implications for a late in the game kick when R needed the ball and the clock.
|