[MJT]

Originally posted by DrMooreReferee

Andy has the correct answer? I'm still looking for an ILLEGAL signal in the question. I doubt I will see one, since no signals were given by a runner.

If you have no expanded neutral zone, how can a foul be beyond it?

DrMooreReferee, I am not exactly sure what your question is, but here is the original question, and answer.

Fourth and 8 from the 50. K1's punt is high and short. R1, standing at his (a) 46 or (b) 49, gives an invalid fair catch signal, after which he muffs the punt. The muffed punt strikes the ground at R's 45, then bounces back to K's 49, where it is recovered by K2, who advances to R's 40, where he fumbles. R2 recovers K2's fumble at R's 39 and returns the fumble for a touchdown.

Ruling: In (a), all of the necessary elements for post scrimmage kick penalty enforcement under Rule 2-16-g are present. Therefore, post scrimmage kick penalty enforcement applies. The basic spot for enforcement of the penalty for R1's invalid fair catch signal is the spot where the kick ended, K's 49; however, the foul was committed behind the basic spot at R's 46. Therefore, the penalty for R1's invalid fair catch signal will be enforced from the spot of the foul, and, following enforcement of the penalty, R will put the ball in play, first and 10, from their 41. In (b), one of the necessary elements for post scrimmage kick penalty enforcement is missing, as R1's invalid fair catch signal was not committed beyond the expanded neutral zone. Therefore, in (b), the penalty for R1's invalid fair catch signal will be enforced from the previous spot, making it fourth and 3 for K from R's 45.