KCI?

don't move · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 10, 2005, 02:44pm

R1 signals for and makes a fair catch. K1 hits R1 just after he makes the catch. What is the penalty and rule reference?
NF only.

Ed Maeder · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 10, 2005, 02:52pm

I have illegal personal contact. 9-4-3-b The ball is dead as soon as the fair catch is made and this would be a late hit.

don't move · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 10, 2005, 03:11pm

Possibly, but if K did not see the fair catch signal, or thought it was an invalid signal (which doesn't afford R protection) and hit R immediately after he caught the ball, just as the whiste blows, I am not sure you could say the ball 'is clearly dead'.
I know it's a foul, but my crew can't reach a consensus on where the rule reference is. It can't be KCI because, by definition, that can only occur 'while the ball is in flight'.
It has to be in Rule 9 somewhere...

Zebra29 · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 10, 2005, 03:16pm

If B makes a valid FC signal, he is awarded protection. Just because A did not see it doesn't exclude them from honoring the rule.

don't move · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 10, 2005, 03:27pm

I couldn't agree more, Zebra, we all know it's a foul. I am just looking for the rule book reference. It is quite possible that Ed's cite of 9-4-3-b is the only rule reference. There is nothing in the case book that is on point.

The Roamin' Umpire · #6 (**permalink**) Tue Oct 11, 2005, 09:16pm

You could go for 9-4-3g here - certainly, hitting a player who is completing a fair catch would be unnecessary.

Bob M. · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 12, 2005, 12:24pm

REPLY: I'm with Ed...9-4-3b. The ball is dead once it's caught. K needs to know that.