fair catch
Noun: 1. (American football) A catch of a kicked ball (a punt) by a member of the receiving team, after which player signals they will not attempt to advance the ball, granting them protection from being tackled. This is a specific rule designed for player safety and fair play. The player must signal their intent by cleanly catching the ball and raising one arm fully above their head and waving it from side to side.
The term "fair catch" is used exclusively in the context of American football (and similar sports like Canadian football) to describe this specific play and rule. - It is called by the player catching the ball. - Once signaled and completed, the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch. - The receiving team then starts its offensive possession from that spot.
- The punt returner made a fair catch at the 20-yard line to avoid a big hit from the coverage team.
- He signaled for a fair catch because he saw three defenders closing in on him quickly.
- The referee blew the whistle immediately after the fair catch was properly signaled.
- "To call for a fair catch": This is the verbal phrase describing the player's action of signaling.
- The return specialist decided to call for a fair catch due to the high punt.
- The fair catch rule is the official regulation governing this play. Violations, such as tackling the player after a valid signal, result in penalties.
- Fair Catch Kick: A rare, immediate free kick attempt at the goal posts allowed to the team that made a fair catch. This is a separate, specific rule that can follow a fair catch.
- Punt Return: The general act of catching and attempting to run with a punted ball, which is the alternative to making a fair catch.
- Fair catch signal (specifically refers to the physical act of signaling).
- Fair catch call.
- Punt Return: An attempt to catch the punt and advance the ball by running, where the player can be legally tackled.
- Muff: An unsuccessful attempt to catch a punt, where the ball is touched but not possessed. A fair catch cannot be made on a muffed ball.
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(American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled
