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Description of problem:

semanage fcontext --help shows the following for "-f/--ftype":

  -f {a,f,d,c,b,s,l,p}, --ftype {a,f,d,c,b,s,l,p}
                        File Type. This is used with fcontext. Requires a file
                        type as shown in the mode field by ls, e.g. use -d to
                        match only directories or -- to match only regular
                        files. The following file type options can be passed:
                        -- (regular file),-d (directory),-c (character
                        device), -b (block device),-s (socket),-l (symbolic
                        link),-p (named pipe) If you do not specify a file
                        type, the file type will default to "all files".

The expected character (a, f, d, c, ...) differs from the actual text.
For example to match a regular file, "f" should be used instead of "--".
Also, the first dash in option should be removed (e.g. "-d" -> "d").

The manpage is accurrate.


Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable):

policycoreutils-python-2.2.5-21.el7_2.x86_64

You're right. Manually executed semanage fcontext ... confirms following mapping:

-f a -> all files
-f b -> block device
-f c -> character device
-f f -> regular file
-f d -> directory
-f l -> symbolic link
-f p -> named pipe
-f s -> socket
without -> all files

Since the problem described in this bug report should be
resolved in a recent advisory, it has been closed with a
resolution of ERRATA.

For information on the advisory, and where to find the updated
files, follow the link below.

If the solution does not work for you, open a new bug report.

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0913