Football Officiating > NCAA Discussion
Not sure why I keep concerning myself, but…
TxJim:
So, thinking it would have to be a Valid fair catch signal given as well, (no other invalid signals given by any other player included) since the rule defines a catch after an invalid signal is not a fair catch.
And will, by interpretation, a valid fair catch signal given but the receiver was illegally contacted before an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick (KCI) allow this kick?
Ralph Damren:
I had a veteran coach ask me once if a player was stupid enough to call for a fair catch at HIS 1 yard liner, could he than free kick from there in lieu of running 3 plays and then punting from his own end zone . You may have some coaches at the NCAA level that may think 'outside the box' on this. TxJim is reminding us of the NFL FK=FG that us made last year after such a KCI call ^flag ^talk
peterparsons:
--- Quote from: TxJim on April 20, 2026, 10:08:26 AM ---So, thinking it would have to be a Valid fair catch signal given as well, (no other invalid signals given by any other player included) since the rule defines a catch after an invalid signal is not a fair catch.
And will, by interpretation, a valid fair catch signal given but the receiver was illegally contacted before an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick (KCI) allow this kick?
--- End quote ---
NFL rules (which I also work in Europe) allow a Fair Catch Kick after an awarded fair catch (which is given if the receiver is fouled) as well as an actual completed fair catch. I'd guess that the NCAA implementation will be similar (even if the wording is different). I don't know if NFHS is any different to NFL as that's the one rule set I don't have to worry about.
In the NFL, a Fair Catch Kick is a field goal attempt from an onside kick formation (so either a held place kick or a drop kick, no tee allowed). Scrimmage kick rules apply.
I have seen one live. There was an unsuccessful attempt in the 2019 game in London between the Panthers and the Bucs at the end of the first half.
Ralph Damren:
We New Englanders well remember the huge comeback in the Super bowl vs the Falcons to win in OT. With only seconds remaining in regulation ,the Pats made a FC at their own 39 . It was later mentioned that they could have FKed for a 71 yard field goal BUT IF MISSED the Falcons would take possession at the spot of the missed kick. Coach B musta' thought that thru :bOW.
Ralph Damren:
.....On a second thought, treating FC/FK as a scrimmage kick, wouldn't a missed one bring the ball back to the previous spot - like a missed FG from a scrimmage down ??? :o
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