Invalid fair catch signal?

[Refsmitty]

R gives signal while punt is in air but lets the ball hit the ground. It bounces right to him and he fields it but does not run - is that a foul?

[Rich]

Why would that make the signal invalid?

[JRutledge]

Gives what kind of signal? There are all kinds of signals that can be given that are not illegal or should not stop play.

Peace

[Refsmitty]

Fela I worked with the other night said it was a foul because the R signaled fair catch - let the ball hit ground - then caught it

I never heard of that but looking to verify before discussing with my crew

[Rich]

The ball is dead. R is not given fair catch protection -- it's not a fair catch -- but it's not a foul, either.

[HLin NC]

I continue to be amazed at the inaccurate or flat out wrong theories that the brethren espouse.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Gives what kind of signal? There are all kinds of signals that can be given that are not illegal or should not stop play.

Peace

Never say never, "one size fits all" and "Zero tolerance" can be overly rigid, and counterproductive standards to live by, but unauthorized, unnecessary signals (of ANY kind) can create a very slippery slope.

NF 2-9-4 is (painfully) simple; An in-valid F/C signal is ANY signal by a receiver BEFORE the lick is caught or recovered:
a. That does not meet the requirements of a valid signal (2-9-3).
b. AFTER the kick has touched a receiver.
c. AFTER the kick has touched the ground.

It's a worthwhile practice to demonstrate a valid signal, for the receivers as a reminder before EVERY kick, and not a bad idea to remind any receiver who has elected to use an unauthorized signal the FIRST time he chooses to do so, that doing so could cause him an unnecessary problem.