When is a Fair Catch signal considered illegal?

A Fair Catch signal becomes illegal when made after the kick has been caught. The primary purpose of the Fair Catch signal is to give the player receiving the kick an option to catch the ball without the threat of being tackled immediately after making the catch. If the signal is given after the kick has already been caught, it does not serve its intended purpose and is therefore considered illegal.

The timing of the signal is crucial, as the rules are designed to ensure player safety and uphold the integrity of the game. The player must signal for a Fair Catch before the ball is caught to alert the kicking team and establish that the player is opting for a fair catch, thus protecting them from potential hits.

In contrast, signaling before the kick has been caught or recovered may not constitute an infraction as it can show the intention of the player to receive the ball safely, while signaling just before the player makes the catch or recovery does not apply to the context of illegal signals. Therefore, clarity in the timing of the signal is essential to comply with the rules surrounding Fair Catches.