Quote:
Originally Posted by jTheUmp
+1 to Rut's answer.
Holding (and IBB) are those calls where, philosophically, it has to have a material affect on the play for it to be considered a foul.
So, on a punt that's fair-caught, there's no way that a hold by the receiving team could've had an effect on the play, because the restriction couldn't have taken away the kicking team's ability to make a tackle.
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No, but it could've had an effect on the R player's decision to field the ball at all. Allowing team K players to get into the vicinity of the receiver's play on the ball could be consequential if he muffs it. Even after making the fair catch signal, the player could decide that having to scramble in competition w nearby opponents for the loose ball if he muffs it is not a good enough bet, & decide to get away from the ball's flight instead.