The signal for a fair catch in American football is a raised hand.
A player who catches a punt or a kick can signal a fair catch by raising one hand above their head. This signal informs the opposing team that they are not eligible to tackle the player.
The fair catch rule is designed to protect players who are catching kicks or punts. By signaling a fair catch, the player can avoid being tackled and potentially injured.
When a fair catch is signaled, the following rules apply:
- The player who catches the ball is immediately out of bounds.
- No player from the opposing team can tackle the player who signaled the fair catch.
- The ball is spotted at the point where the player signaled the fair catch.
- The receiving team can then advance the ball from that spot.
Here are some examples of when a player might signal a fair catch:
- If a player catches a punt deep in their own territory, they may signal a fair catch to avoid being tackled and potentially losing yardage.
- If a player catches a kick near the sideline, they may signal a fair catch to avoid running out of bounds.
The fair catch signal is a crucial part of American football, as it helps to protect players and ensure fair play.
