A fair catch is made by the receiver of either a punt or a kick, so that the receiver may not be interfered with by the kicking of punting team. Once caught, the ball is "dead", i.e., it may not be advanced. This is done to protect a vulnerable receiver that is looking at the ball and not oncoming tacklers. It is also done to prevent the ball from rolling further down field, so that the receiving team does not lose more yardage. Balls that hit the ground usually roll away from the punter or kicker. Generally it is used to limit the loss of more yardage by the receiving team, when the receiver has little chance of advancing the ball.