Translation issues

[TXMike]

Originally Posted by dvasques

Going into studying the rules with zys we're finding a whole bunch more doubts on the book... for starters

Rule 2-7-1-c states:
c. A valid or invalid fair catch signal deprives the receiving team of the
opportunity to advance the ball, and the ball is declared dead at the spot
of the catch or recovery or at the spot of the signal if the catch precedes
the signal (Rule 6-5-1-a Exception).

What does "or at the spot of the signal if the catch precedes
the signal" means?

Play example, Team A punts, Team B's punt returner catches the kick and starts running. Either because he hopes to confuse the kick coverage team or because he is a 16 year old kid, he gives a fair catch signal as he is running. Officials should get on the whistles and shut things down as ball was dead as soon as the signal was given. The catch was before the signal but the signal causes ball to become dead.