Football Invalid Fair Catch Signal Penalty
When one team kicks or punts to another team in football, the receiver can signal for a fair catch to prevent themselves from getting hit. A receiver does this by extending their arm fully above their head and waving it. However, when a receiver does not fully extend their arm above their head, it is an invalid fair catch signal and a penalty.
Definition
An invalid fair catch signal penalty occurs when a receiver is catching a kickoff or punt and does not properly signal for a fair catch. A receiver must signal for a fair catch by fully extending one arm above their head and waving it from side to side. If a receiver signals in any other manner, it is an invalid fair catch signal. Notably, receivers are permitted to raise a hand to shield their eyes from the sun, but they are not allowed to raise a hand above their shoulders for any other reason than to signal for a fair catch.
When a receiver signals for a fair catch, no member of the kicking team may make contact with them. However, once the receiver has signaled for a fair catch, they must catch the ball and remain in place, where the ball will be spotted for the first offensive down. Receivers are not permitted to advance the ball downfield after making a fair catch. If they do so, a penalty for an invalid fair catch can also be called.
When an invalid fair catch is called, the referees assess a penalty by spotting the ball five yards behind where the invalid fair catch signal is made. Typically, referees prefer to give players some leeway regarding the execution of the fair catch signal, and thus, this is a rarely called penalty.
The invalid fair catch signal penalty was implemented for player safety reasons. An invalid fair catch signal makes it difficult for the team that is kicking off or punting to tell that a player signaled for a fair catch and can result in the returner being tackled. Especially if the returner is not bracing themself, such a tackle can result in injuries. This penalty can also be beneficial to the kicking team, as it puts their defense in a better position and prevents the punt returner from making a signal that could confuse players trying to make a tackle.
Result
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invalid Fair Catch Signal | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | N/A |
The result of an invalid fair catch signal penalty being called is a loss of five yards for the receiving team from the spot where the invalid fair catch signal is made, rather than from where the play is marked down.
Penalty Signal
In order to call an invalid fair catch signal penalty, the referee must wave one hand over their head while announcing the penalty and how many yards will be lost.
Examples
- A receiver is attempting to signal for a fair catch and is running to catch the ball but does not fully extend their arm to wave and signal for a fair catch.
- A receiver sees at the last moment that the defense will immediately tackle them, so they wave their hand to signal for a fair catch but do not extend their arm above their head.
- A receiver casually waves their hand to call for a fair catch but does so without fully extending their arm.
Similar Penalties To Invalid Fair Catch Signal
FAQ
What is an invalid fair catch signal penalty in football?
An invalid fair catch signal penalty in football is a foul that occurs when a receiver attempts to signal for a fair catch but fails to properly execute the signal. A fair catch allows a receiver to make a catch without advancing the ball and without drawing contact from the kicking team. If the receiver fails to signal for a fair catch by extending their arm above their head and waving it from side to side, they will be punished by having the ball spotted five yards behind the spot where the signal was made.
How do you make a valid fair catch signal in football?
You make a fair catch signal in football by fully extending your arm above your head and waving it from side to side. If you are a receiver and you want to make a fair catch, you must execute this signal while the kick is still in the air. Beginning the signal after you have already begun the act of catching the ball is not a valid fair catch signal.
Can you challenge an invalid fair catch signal penalty in football?
Since it is a foul, an invalid fair catch signal penalty cannot be challenged by a coach. However, in accordance with challenge rules, aspects of the penalty, such as the enforcement of the penalty in terms of the spot of the foul, proper downs, status of the game clock, or disqualifications, can be challenged.
Is there a fair catch in college football?
Like the NFL, NCAA football utilizes a fair catch rule. If a receiver wishes, they may signal for a fair catch and avoid contact from the kicking team. As in the NFL, the punishment for an illegal fair catch signal in college football is a five-yard penalty from the spot of the signal. The CFL does not utilize fair catch rules, and thus there is no illegal fair catch signal foul in that league.