Fair Catch Signal

[kentref]

Originally posted by mikesears

I think there was some discussion on here a while ago about this play. I believe the consensus was that a player who signals for a fair catch behind the neutral zone is not protected and the ball remains live. The signal is neither valid nor invalid because he is not entitled to a fair catch.

My take is that if any R player gives a valid or invalid fair catch signal, regardless of his position on the field, the ball is dead once R gains possession. Unless I'm missing something the rule book is silent on whether a signal given behind the neutral zone causes the ball to become dead. I agree that a fair catch signal (valid or invalid) given behind the neutral zone does not offer the signaller protection.