Invalid Fair Catch Signal
Posted: 8/19/2016
Q: How would you like us to interpret the “get away” signal on a grounded kick? Invalid fair catch signal? Nothing?
A: In the NFHS FB Rule Book under definitions, you will find the definition of Valid, Invalid and Illegal Fair Catch in Rules 2-9-3, 4, 5 on page 27:
Rule 2 Definitions of Playing Terms
Section 9 Fair Catch
ART. 3 . . . A valid fair-catch signal is the extending and lateral waving of one arm, at full arm’s length above the head, by any R player.
ART. 4 . . . An invalid fair-catch signal is any signal by a receiver before the kick is caught or recovered:
a. That does not meet the requirements of a valid signal.
b. After the kick has touched a receiver.
c. After the kick has touched the ground.
ART. 5 . . . An illegal fair-catch signal is any signal by a runner:
a. After the kick has been caught.
b. After the kick has been recovered.
Note that the valid signal is one arm above the head. The rule doesn’t say that a receiver may not signal their teammates to stay away. In this situation, the NFHS definition and rule is different than the NCAA. If a receiver is making an attempt to keep his/her teammates away by waving both hands/arms below the waist, it will not be an invalid fair catch signal.
If there is question as to whether the receiver deliberately tried to influence the K team who then eased up and then R1 advances the ball, the official in their judgment may use Rule 9-10-1 under unfair acts, blow the whistle with a delay of game enforcement from the spot of recovery.
Crews may want be proactive at the coaches meeting by emphasizing and communicating what is a valid fair catch signal. You may also talk to the receiver early in the game as a reminder.
A: In the NFHS FB Rule Book under definitions, you will find the definition of Valid, Invalid and Illegal Fair Catch in Rules 2-9-3, 4, 5 on page 27:
Rule 2 Definitions of Playing Terms
Section 9 Fair Catch
ART. 3 . . . A valid fair-catch signal is the extending and lateral waving of one arm, at full arm’s length above the head, by any R player.
ART. 4 . . . An invalid fair-catch signal is any signal by a receiver before the kick is caught or recovered:
a. That does not meet the requirements of a valid signal.
b. After the kick has touched a receiver.
c. After the kick has touched the ground.
ART. 5 . . . An illegal fair-catch signal is any signal by a runner:
a. After the kick has been caught.
b. After the kick has been recovered.
Note that the valid signal is one arm above the head. The rule doesn’t say that a receiver may not signal their teammates to stay away. In this situation, the NFHS definition and rule is different than the NCAA. If a receiver is making an attempt to keep his/her teammates away by waving both hands/arms below the waist, it will not be an invalid fair catch signal.
If there is question as to whether the receiver deliberately tried to influence the K team who then eased up and then R1 advances the ball, the official in their judgment may use Rule 9-10-1 under unfair acts, blow the whistle with a delay of game enforcement from the spot of recovery.
Crews may want be proactive at the coaches meeting by emphasizing and communicating what is a valid fair catch signal. You may also talk to the receiver early in the game as a reminder.
