Invalid Signal and Punt Receiver Gets Leveled (NFHS)

[Mike L]

Originally Posted by ajmc

The concept of the Fair Catch is simple, R forfeits their right to advance the ball in return for an unmolested opportunity to complete the catch. The decision if, and when, to invoke that arrangement is ENTIRELY up to R.

Not true, R is given an umolested opportunity to make a catch with or without a fair catch signal. That is why we have a kick catch interference rule. What the fair catch signal means is R is giving up his right to advance the ball after the catch and in return he gets protection from being hit after said catch.