Fair catch question

[SCHSref]

R1 signals for a fair and muffs the ball into the air. While the ball is still in flight and after R1 muffs the ball, K1 touches the ball or R1 in an attempt to get possession. R1 catches the ball after the touching by K1.  The ball never is grounded.   Ruling: Fair Catch by R1.
 
Although R1 muffed the ball and now he can be blocked by K in an attempt to get the ball. This does not negate the Fair Catch if R1 catches the ball. 
 


Your thoughts?

[maven]

6.5.2 SITUATION A:

During a scrimmage kick beyond the expanded neutral zone, R1 gives a fair-catch signal. He muffs the kick into the air, where:

(a) R1 catches it 5 yards in advance of his muff; or
(b) K2 pushes R1 in an attempt to reach the ball; or
(c) K3 tackles R1 following the muff, preventing R1 from catching the kick; or
(d) R1 is blocked below the waist by K4 and K5 recovers.

RULING: In (a), R1 has made a fair catch and the ball will be put in play at the spot where the catch was completed. In (b), the contact on R1 by K2 is legal because K may retain possession following the muff by R1. In (c), it is a holding foul for K3 to tackle R1 following the muff, thus preventing him from reaching the ball. The block by K4 is illegal in (d). The fouls in (c) and (d) are fouls during a loose-ball play and the penalty, if accepted, will be administered from the previous spot and the down replayed. (2-3-5b; 6-2-4; 9-3-2)