Fair Catch Question

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bkdow

How can it be neither. Did the ball end up on the ground?

Doesn't matter. It can't be advanced in either situation.

Once R signals for a fair catch at any time during the down, neither team will ever be able to advance the kick, regardless of whether it hit the ground before or after the signal.

[maven]

Originally Posted by Rich

Once R signals for a fair catch at any time during the down, neither team will ever be able to advance the kick, regardless of whether it hit the ground before or after the signal.

Exactly, and the word that many novice officials miss is "the kick." Until it's possessed, it's a kick, and neither team may advance it. Once possessed by either team, it's dead by rule, so still no advance possible.

[ChickenOfNC]

Originally Posted by Rich

Doesn't matter. It can't be advanced in either situation.

Once R signals for a fair catch at any time during the down, neither team will ever be able to advance the kick, regardless of whether it hit the ground before or after the signal.

Kick bounds behind the NZ where a K player picks up and advances.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ChickenOfNC

Kick bounds behind the NZ where a K player picks up and advances.

The exception that proves the rule.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Rich

The exception that proves the rule.

You are absolutely correct in NCAA.