Quote:
Originally posted by cmathews
Mike,
Good point and no I probably wouldn't blow it dead. So if the scenarios are indeed the same then, we probably shouldn't on the punt either. One thing though, maybe it is just a typo on your part, but in one area you say that any player that gives a valid fair catch signal is protected. Earlier in the thread it was pointed out that valid/invalid is different from legal/illegal.
"As far as fair catch signals go, by rule, a player can't be contacted if he gives a VALID fair catch signal"
So in reading your post if it is valid but illegal, it seems they would be afforded protection (except for the portion from the handbook)??
maybe we just have to tell em if you don't want to get hit after you catch it and start to run, either take a knee or go play soccer 
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As jfurdell states, "It can't be BOTH valid and illegal."
Fair Catches
The definition for a fair catch is
"... a catch by a receiver...of a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone to the receiver's goal line, after a valid signal."
What is a valid signal?
"
A valid signal is the extending and lateral waving of one arm, at full arm's length above the head, by any member of the kicking team."
What is an invalid signal?
"
An invalid signal is any signal by a receiver before the kick is caught or recovered:
A. that does not meet the requirements of a valid signal.
B. After the kick has touched a receiver.
C. After the kick has touched the ground."
What is an illegal signal?
"An illegal fair catch signal is any signal by the runner:
A. After the kick is caught.
B. After the kick is recovered."
Once we understand these, we can understand the rules regarding fair catches.
1. Any receiver may signal for a fair catch. Once a receiver signals (validly or invalidy), he is prohibited from blocking until the KICK has ended.
2. It is a fair catch and the ball is dead if any receiver gives a VALID signal only.
3. Only the player who gives a valid signal is afforded protection. If one player signals (validly) and another player catches the ball, it is NOT a fair catch but the ball becomes dead.
4. No player may advance the ball after a valid or invalid fair catch signal. (Note that this doesn't address an illegal signal.)
Hope this helps.