This is the first season I have been into NFL and am currently watching the Superbowl. I need one point explaining…
How and why does a punt receiver call for a fair catch?
A fair catch is called when the person receiving the ball is concerned about catching the ball and surviving the impending hit. If they have time to run they will make the catch and take off. If they are being overrun by their opponents they can simply raise their arm, calling a fair catch, and take the ball where they catch it. BTW, if they call a fair catch and are tackled anyway that’s a penalty against the opposing team.
Steve
the signal for a fair catch is waving your hand back and fourth over your head. It must be done in time for the other team to react to it. You can’t wait until the tackler is in your face and signal.
You can call a fair catch on a kickoff, too. Not just punts. Admittedly, a fair cach on a kickoff is pretty rare.
The only reason for it was because in short punting situations when there was a short distance and a lot of hangtime the receiver would be focused on the ball and the moment he caught it the kicking team would quite literally unload on him. After a while when people started getting really crushed they instituted that rule to protect the returners. Once you signal you can’t change your mind, so that keeps it fair.