fair catch

American  

[fair kach] / ˈfɛər ˈkætʃ /

noun

Football.

1. a catch of a kicked ball in which the receiver signals that they will not advance the ball and therefore may not be interfered with or tackled.

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Etymology

Origin of fair catch

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Menon was heard explaining: "We checked for fair catch because we felt it was off the glove but he says it is off the helmet."

From BBC

The Colts fumbled a fair catch on a pooch kick.

From Los Angeles Times

After a fair catch, South Gate took over at its 46 and when Anthony Ford intercepted a pass the Gladiators began celebrating, thinking they had won.

From Los Angeles Times

The obscure rule allows a team to kick immediately after a fair catch and if it goes through the uprights and over the crossbar, it counts as a three-point field goal for the kicking team.

From Los Angeles Times

Green Bay’s Elijah made a fair catch on a Chicago punt with seconds remaining in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times