Video: The Chad Bumphis mystery fair catch against UAB

[slickdawg]

do you see a signal?

 

[dawgatUSM]

The ball hit the ground which means the fair catch is null and void. That officiating crew was horrid...

 

[maroondog]

Now you can't signal for a fair catch after the ball on the ground. But if a Receiver gives a fair catch while the ball is in the air, then no receiver can advance the ball. but only the receiver that makes the fair catch if afforded protection.</p>

 

[ckDOG]

even if the argument was that Bumphis never made a legit fair catch signal, he did make an "invalid signal" (I'm going off of memory here, the video is to grainy on my screen to watch his arms - if he made no motions whatsoever, this does not apply).

The rules are written in a way where invalid signals are treated basically the same as a fair catch signal - even when the ball hits the ground and a receiver signals everyone to "clear out". Basically, if you want to return the football, don't wave your arms in any unnatural fashion. There is a scenario exactly the same as this one cited in the rule book that clearly says you can not advance the ball. I'm too lazy to look it up again - somebody else can have at it...

 

[maroondog]

nm

 

[PBRME]

While watching the game he was waving everyone away. He never motioned over his head.</p>

 

[ckDOG]

Go here and read: http://ncaapublications.com/p-3926-2009-10-ncaa-football-rules-and-interpretations-2-year-publication.aspx

Bumphis displayed an invalid signal. Read about invalid signals on page FR-47 and FR-93.

Also,

From page FI-40:

VI. Team A’s scrimmage kick is rolling beyond the neutral zone when
B17 alerts his teammates to stay away from the ball by a “get away”
signal at his waist or below. RULING: Invalid signal. The ball is
dead by rule when either team recovers.

Can't advance the ball.

Also, I realize this is the 2009-2010 Rule Book. I can't find anything updated, if it exists. However, I don't recall any rule changes being highlighted by the media on this topic.