R21 gives a fair catch signal just as R44 begins to advance after catching a punt.

Legal or illegal?

Without the rulebook at my fingertips, I think this is an illegal fair catch signal.


If R44 signaled BEFORE R21 caught the ball you'd kill the play after the R21 catch, without penalty, and give R the ball at the spot of the catch. For free kick purposes this scenario would NOT be a fair catch or awarded fair catch.

I think.....

Case Book 2.9.5 SITUATION: R2 gives a fair-catch signal just after R1 begins to advance after catching a punt. RULING: No foul, as only the runner can give an illegal fair-catch signal. Opponents must continue to play and not be decived by a player waving an arm after a kick-catching situation.

JDLJ,
I didn't see it the casebook but that is a perfect answer!

REPLY: I think the Fed had a 'publishing error' (or mayber it wasn't an error) in their 2004 edition of the Case Book. A number of play situations were left out. As you mention, 2.9.5 wasn't included in the 2004 edition.

Bob,
I didn't know that. I found this other book that I like reading through it's more like reading a normal book; unlike rulebooks that read like law books. "Official's Study Guide to NFHS Football Rules 2004 Edition." It is written by George Demetriou & Rodgers Redding. Do I read my rule books, of course I do but the other book gives me a better breakdown or outlook...