Malcolm Rivera
The fair catch rule in college football allows the receiving team to catch a punt or kickoff without being tackled, thus preserving player safety and field position. A valid fair catch signal is given by a player of Team B, who extends one hand clearly above their head and waves that hand from side to side of their body more than once. This signal must be made while the kick is in flight, and once it is made, the player must be given a 1-yard unobstructed space to catch the football. If the receiver shades their eyes from the sun without waving their hand(s), the ball is live and may be advanced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for a fair catch | To protect the receiver from injury |
| To prevent the ball from rolling towards the receiving team's goal | |
| To preserve good field position | |
| When to signal a fair catch | Before the ball is caught |
| Signal | Waving one arm above the head from side to side |
| Waving both hands above the head | |
| Valid signal | Given by a player of Team B |
| Given while the kick is in flight | |
| Given before defenders are already closing in | |
| Consequence of a fair catch | The player cannot be tackled once the signal is made |
| The ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch or recovery or at the spot of the signal if the catch precedes the signal | |
| The receiving team does not advance the ball | |
| The ball will be brought out to the 25-yard line | |
| The run is stopped immediately if the receiver signals a fair catch and runs after the ball is caught, with a 5-yard penalty against the receiving team from where the ball is caught | |
| The kicking team must not obstruct the receiver or it will result in a penalty called "kick-catch interference" | |
| The player making the signal is prohibited from blocking or initiating contact with a player of the kicking team |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of a fair catch signal
The fair catch rule in college football is an important safety measure for players, specifically the receiver or returner of the ball. It is also a strategic tool used by teams to maintain or improve their position on the field.
To signal a fair catch, the receiver must raise one hand clearly above their head and wave it from side to side. This signal must be given while the ball is in flight, and once it is made, the receiver cannot be tackled. The play is then dead once the catch is made, and the ball is placed at the spot of the catch.
In addition to safety, the fair catch rule can also be used strategically by teams. By signalling a fair catch, the receiving team can maintain their field position and avoid the risk of a negative play or turnover. This is especially useful if the punt is high, giving the coverage team time to get close, as the fair catch guarantees the receiving team keeps its position.
The fair catch rule has been a source of debate, with some arguing that it gives an advantage to the receiving team and eliminates exciting kickoff returns. There are also discussions about when the signal should be allowed, with defenders feeling that returners sometimes signal too late, only after realising they cannot return the ball. Despite these debates, the fair catch rule remains an important part of college football, balancing safety concerns with the strategic aspects of the game.
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How to signal a fair catch
Signalling a fair catch is a critical component of football, providing an essential layer of safety for returners while offering strategic advantages to teams.
To signal a fair catch, a player on the receiving team must raise one hand clearly above their head and wave that hand from side to side of their body more than once. This signal must be given while the ball is in flight. Once the signal is made, the player must be given a 1-yard unobstructed circular space around them to catch the ball. If the signal is made before the ball is caught, and the receiver runs with the ball after catching it, the run will be immediately stopped, with a 5-yard penalty against the receiving team from where the ball is caught.
It is important to note that the fair catch rule applies primarily during punts and kickoffs, where the receiving player is at risk of being tackled by defenders rushing downfield at full speed. The rule allows the receiving team to catch the ball without being tackled, helping to maintain possession and field position while reducing the potential for dangerous collisions.
In college football, a recent addition to the fair catch rule allows teams to signal for a fair catch on a kickoff and receive the ball at the 25-yard line. This addition was made to reduce the frequency of player injuries on kickoffs, as players who return kicks are particularly vulnerable to high-speed open-field tackles, which can result in immediate injury and lifelong health complications.
By understanding and effectively utilizing the fair catch signal, players can protect themselves and their teammates while also gaining strategic advantages in the game.
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When to signal a fair catch
The fair catch rule in college football is an important aspect of the game, offering strategic advantages and an added layer of safety for players. Here are some scenarios when it is appropriate to signal a fair catch:
During a Scrimmage Kick
A fair catch can be signalled during a scrimmage kick, which is a kick that has crossed the line of scrimmage. In this case, a player from Team B, who is receiving the kick, can signal a fair catch by extending one hand clearly above their head and waving that hand from side to side more than once. This signal must be made while the kick is still in the air.
To Preserve Field Position
A returner may choose to signal for a fair catch to preserve their field position. For example, if the punt is high, giving the opposing team time to close in, the returner might decide that attempting to run the ball isn't worth the risk of losing yards or turning the ball over. By signalling a fair catch, the team can maintain their current position without risking a negative play.
To Protect the Receiver
The fair catch rule is primarily designed to protect the receiver from high-speed collisions, which can often result in injuries. Since the receiver is focused on catching the airborne ball, they are vulnerable to opponents running towards them and are at risk of being hit or fumbling the ball. By signalling a fair catch, the receiver can catch the ball without being tackled, thus reducing the chance of injury.
On a Kickoff
A player can also signal a fair catch on a kickoff. This allows them to receive the ball without the risk of being tackled. Once the signal is made, defenders must give the player a 1-yard "halo" to catch the ball without interference. If the kicking team fails to provide this unobstructed space, they will be penalised for "kick-catch interference".
It's important to note that the fair catch rule does not allow the receiving team to advance the ball after the catch. The ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch or recovery, and the play ends.
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The history of the fair catch rule
The fair catch rule is a critical component of football, providing an essential layer of safety for returners while offering strategic advantages to teams. The rule allows the receiving team to catch the ball without being tackled, thus helping to maintain possession and field position while avoiding unnecessary collisions.
The fair catch rule was adopted to make kickoffs safer for return players. Football can be a dangerous game, and the risk of injury is particularly high for kick returners, who are vulnerable to high-speed open-field tackles, which can result in immediate injury and lifelong health complications. The rule was designed to reduce the frequency of such injuries.
In 2018, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a new rule allowing collegiate kickoff returners to signal for a fair catch. This rule change altered special teams' strategy and reduced the number of high-speed collisions on kickoffs, which are some of the most dangerous plays in football. Once the kick returner raises their hand and signals for a fair catch, gunners and tackles must hold off as the returner waits for the ball, catches it and kneels. The ball is then placed at the 25-yard line for the ensuing drive, regardless of where the fair catch is made. This change was also implemented in the NFL in 2023.
The fair catch rule has a long history in various forms of football descended from certain English school football games of the 19th century. It was abolished early in the development of soccer and later in the 20th century by Canadian football and rugby league. Forms of football retaining a form of fair catch (also called a "mark") include American (outdoor) football, rugby union, and Australian rules football. The rule requires the catcher to signal in advance by waving one hand above their head, although rugby union requires the player to also shout "Mark!".
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Fair catches in other forms of football
The fair catch is a feature of American football and several other forms of football. In rugby union, a fair catch is called a "mark", and players must signal a fair catch by catching the ball and shouting "Mark!". In rugby league, there is no fair catch, but players must be given a circular unobstructed space when fielding an opponent's kick.
In Australian rules football, a fair catch is also called a "mark", and the rules are more relaxed than in rugby union. Australian rules allow unlimited hand play with the ball before it is caught, and the ball can be dropped as long as the player is deemed to have sufficient control of its fall. The Australian Football League's AFL 9s variant has a "drop-zone" concept to protect players attempting a fair catch.
Canadian football abolished the fair catch in the middle of the 20th century. Instead, it has a five-yard "no-yards" rule, where the kicking team is penalized 15 yards if they invade a five-yard perimeter around the returner.
Arena football also does not have fair catch rules, but members of the kicking team must not cross the five-yard line in coverage while the ball is in the air.
Speedball and speedaway are American-invented intramural games that have similarities to the original fair catch rule. They allow handling of the ball in games where it is otherwise forbidden.
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Frequently asked questions
A fair catch in college football allows the receiving team to catch a punt or kickoff without the risk of being tackled, helping to preserve player safety while maintaining field position.
A player signals a fair catch by waving one arm above their head. Once the signal is made, the player is given the opportunity to catch the ball uncontested, meaning that defenders cannot make contact with them.
A valid signal is given by a player who has obviously signaled their intention by extending one hand only clearly above their head and waving that hand from side to side of their body more than once.
A fair catch signal is allowed primarily during punts and kickoffs, where the receiving player has to field the ball while defenders rush downfield at full speed.
If the receiver signals a fair catch and then runs after catching the ball, the run is immediately stopped, with a 5-yard penalty against the receiving team from where the ball is caught.
