Invalid fair catch

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Snake~eyes

R cannot advance after valid or invalid fair catch: 6-5-5

As soon as R catches the ball is dead, throw the flag.

Personally if R gives a bad fair catch signal I will just kill the play once R catches it. If no K player contacts R then I'd warn the player, if K does hit the R player then I would just call invalid fair catch signal.

This is the correct ruling, but caution is needed on this play. The OP describes a gesture that could be the R player telling teammates to get away from the kick. R is allowed to make other signals, after all, and not have it count as an invalid fair catch signal.

I agree that the OP is a case of an invalid signal. Perhaps the OP's concern is rooted in the fact that you often don't know whether you have an invalid signal until you see what the players do after the catch. But that's ok.

When I'm BJ, I make sure to talk to the receiver(s) before each punt, and I illustrate a correct FC signal for them. It's on the film, in case coach wants to discuss it with them afterwards.

[Tom.OH]

Originally Posted by mbyron

When I'm BJ, I make sure to talk to the receiver(s) before each punt, and I illustrate a correct FC signal for them. It's on the film, in case coach wants to discuss it with them afterwards.

I have not worked BJ in years but Saturday in a JV game I was the U , i went back to cover the punt (Ohio mechanics) and I tell the receivers if they are going to make a fair catch to give me a good signal.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Tom.OH

I have not worked BJ in years but Saturday in a JV game I was the U , i went back to cover the punt (Ohio mechanics) and I tell the receivers if they are going to make a fair catch to give me a good signal.

It may seem redundant, it may seem unnecessary but the standard mechanic in our area is for the BJ, or LJ (4 man) retreating down field in a scrimmage kick situation makes eye contact with the deep receiver, demonstrates a valid FC signal while reminding the receiver to signal properly if he wants a FC.