Some of the oddest calls I have seen in a long time...not just one or two but a succession. The look on the one players face after the touchdown was cancelled due to the "fair catch call" was priceless. Plain old disbelief written all over him.
That was a classic case of an invalid fair catch signal, the moment that left hand went head high with the slight wave. Absolutely text book penalty and was properly called and enforced IMO.
Valid Signal
ARTICLE 2. A valid signal is a signal given by a player of Team B who has obviously signaled his intention by extending one hand only clearly above his head and waving that hand from side to side of his body more than once.
Invalid Signal
ARTICLE 3. An invalid signal is any waving signal by a player of Team B that does not meet the requirements of a valid signal (Rule 6-5-3).
So, as we can see, one hand above the head waving back and forth signifies a fair catch. According to 2-7-3, however, any other waving signal is considered an "invalid signal."
Then rule 6-5-2 clearly states that no player may advance or carry the ball more than 2 yards after either a valid or invalid fair catch.
Last Edited: 9/13/2013 4:25:40 AM by BillyTheCat