Fair Catch Question

[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.