fair catch

[csuram52]

Please help in a ncaa div 2 game there was a punt, the returner raised his hand for a far catch, the ball hits the turf and then the returner catches it after it hit the turf.  ref's called dead ball as soon as reciever catches punt.  question is ...isn't the fair catch only when the ball is in the air.  what would have happened if the defense flattens the returner aftern he catches it after it hits the turf...

[Etref]

The fair catch signal means the return main gives up his right to return the ball and in exchange the defense gives up the right to make contact with him

Even though he possessed the ball after it struck the ground, he cannot return the ball nor can the defense make contact. If the ball struck the ground before he made the signal it would be an illegal fair catch signal.

Rick

[El Macman]

If the ball struck the ground before he made the signal it would be an illegal invalid fair catch signal.

No foul, but, as you say, the ball is dead when possessed. Some years ago, such a signal (post catch) was, indeed, a foul for an "illegal" signal, with an associated distance penalty, but no more.

[maven]

Some years ago, such a signal (post catch) was, indeed, a foul for an "illegal" signal, with an associated distance penalty, but no more.

As you know, NFHS has the same distinction between an "invalid" and "illegal" signal. Seems like a distinction without a difference to me. :shrug:

[jg-me]

THere is a distinction in NF. An invalid signal is a signal that dos not meet the valid signal requirements and is given prior to the ball being caught or recovered. An illegal signal is one given after the ball is caught or recovered.

[maven]

THere is a distinction in NF. An invalid signal is a signal that dos not meet the valid signal requirements and is given prior to the ball being caught or recovered. An illegal signal is one given after the ball is caught or recovered.

I understand the definitions. The only point I can see to distinguishing invalid from illegal is that only the runner can give an illegal signal, whereas any R player may give an invalid one.

Maybe that's it?

[Etref]

No foul, but, as you say, the ball is dead when possessed. Some years ago, such a signal (post catch) was, indeed, a foul for an "illegal" signal, with an associated distance penalty, but no more.

You are correct, I mistyped.............my bad!