<P> If the kicking team commits kick catching interference on a returner who has given a valid fair catch signal, the receiving team retains the right to a fair catch kick from the yard line where the ball is spotted following the penalty . </P> <P> The fair catch signal can be used as a legal form of deception: If the receiver has no intention of actually fielding the ball, but wishes it to roll into the end zone for a touchback, he may signal for a fair catch in front of where the ball will land, making the kicking team think it will not reach the end zone . </P> <P> A fair catch on a kickoff return is used primarily on short kickoffs to prevent a ball kicked high in the air from being recovered by the kicking team . </P> <P> Various forms of football descended from certain English school football games of the 19th century have had a fair catch . It was abolished early in the development of soccer, then in the middle of the 20th century by Canadian football, and slightly later by rugby league . Forms of football retaining a form of fair catch (also called "mark") include American (outdoor), rugby union, and Australian rules . The American - invented intramural games speedball and speed - a-way have some of the flavor of the original fair catch, which was to allow handling of the ball in games where handling was otherwise forbidden . Australian rules, speedball, and speed - a-way do not require that the kick be from an opponent . American football requires that the catcher signal in advance, as did Canadian football before that game abolished the fair catch . Rugby union requires a player to signal a fair catch by catching the ball and shouting "Mark!". </P>

When did the fair catch rule start in the nfl