<P> In rugby union and Australian rules football, a loose equivalent to a fair catch is called a mark; see mark (rugby) and mark (Australian football) for more information (however in Australian Rules Football the player is not protected from the opposition team while attempting a mark). Fair catches featured in some extinct forms of football, and they have been abolished in other modern codes . In Rugby League the defensive player attempting to catch the ball cannot be tackled whilst in the air, though the attacking players can contest the ball by attempting to catch it themselves . A player who successfully catches the ball is able to be tackled only once they have landed on the ground . A player who does not leave the ground in attempting to catch the ball is able to be tackled as soon as the ball is caught . </P> <P> In American football, a member of the team receiving a punt or kick, may signal for a "fair catch". This is the receiver's choice in which he gives up the right to advance the ball in exchange for protection from being tackled when he is focusing on the incoming ball and thus vulnerable to serious injury . </P> <P> To signal a fair catch the receiver must raise one arm fully above his head and wave it from side to side while the ball is in flight . If the receiver fails to give a proper signal (arm not fully extended) the receiving team is penalized five yards for an invalid fair catch signal, marked from the spot of the signal, and the player is not protected from being tackled . </P> <P> An opponent tackling or making any contact with a receiver who has given a fair catch signal is guilty of a personal foul carrying a 15 - yard penalty . If the interference is deemed flagrant, the kicking team member can also be ejected from the game . </P>

When did the nfl fair catch rule start