Player Conduct Flashcards
(132 cards)
1
Q
INTERLOCKING INTERFERENCE
Fourth-and-10 on B20. On a successful field-goal attempt from the B28, guard A1 and tackle A2 grasp one another’s
arms to prevent rushing defenders from blocking the successful kick.
A
Ruling: Fourth-and-20 on the B30. Ten-yard penalty for interlocking interference upon contact with the opponent(s).
(12-1-4-b)
2
Q
USE OF HANDS DURING LOOSE BALL—PERSONAL ATTEMPT TO RECOVER
Second-and-5 on 50. Runner A1 goes to the B40 where he fumbles. A2, in an attempt to recover the ball: (a) pushes
B2 in the back; or (b) grabs B2 from behind and pulls him out of the way, at the B40. A2 recovers the ball at the B38.
A
Rulings: In both (a) and (b), A’s ball, first-and-10 on B38. Legal play, since A2 is making a personal attempt to
recover a loose ball which he is eligible to touch.
3
Q
USE OF HANDS—KICKING TEAM—PUNT
Fourth-and-10 on 50. A2, flanked wide on a punt, is double teamed by B1 and B2 as he moves five yards downfield.
A2 pulls B2 out of the way at B40, runs downfield, and makes the tackle on the punt return man B3 at B10. B3
fumbles and A3 recovers and is downed at the B15.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 at B15. A kicking team player may use his hands or arms to ward off, or push/pull an
opponent attempting to block him, but he may not pull the opponent to slingshot himself downfield.
4
Q
HANDS TO THE FACE—DEFENSE—CLOSE-LINE PLAY
Second-and-10 on B40. A1’s pass falls incomplete. During the pass rush, B1 puts his hand on blocker A2’s facemask
and pushes A2’s head back. (a) A2’s head is pushed halfway back with force, and B1 maintains that position without
immediately releasing the head; or (b) A2’s head is pushed back slightly without force and B1’s hand slides off the
mask with little delay; or (c) B1 pins A2’s head all the way back, but does not maintain the position for any length of
time.
A
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B35. Illegal hands to the face.
(b) Third-and-10 on B40. No foul.
(c) First-and-10 on B35. Illegal hands to the face.
Note: If the contact is direct and forcible, it is a foul, even without pinning the head back for a period of time. This
standard applies to both offensive and defensive players.
5
Q
HANDS TO THE FACE—DEFENSE AGAINST WIDE RECEIVER
Second-and-10 on B40. B2 is playing wide receiver A2 tight at the line of scrimmage and immediately following the
snap: (a) B2 puts his hand on A2’s facemask and pushes A2’s head back, but immediately releases it; or (b) B2
delivers a blow to A2’s facemask or helmet with an open hand. A1’s pass is incomplete.
A
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B35. Illegal hands to the face by B2 against the wide receiver. This is a foul regardless of
whether the play is a run or a pass. This same action by a defensive/offensive lineman against an opponent
would not be a foul in close-line play. (12-1-7)
(b) First-and-10 on B25. Unnecessary roughness.
6
Q
DEFENSIVE HOLDING—PULL-AND-SHOOT
Fourth-and-7 on B16. At the snap, B1 grabs Tackle A5 at the line of scrimmage and pulls him back to the B14. This
allows B2 to shoot the gap in an attempt to block Kicker A1’s field goal attempt from the B24. However, (a) B2 stops
at the line of scrimmage and does not continue through the opening; or (b) B2 is blocked at the line scrimmage by
the wingback who slides over to block him. The field goal is good.
A
Rulings:
(a) Field goal is good. Kickoff A35. There is no foul for “pull-and-shoot” if no one attempts to “shoot.”
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B11, or FG good KO A35. Defensive holding is called even if the “shooter” is blocked
by someone else. On a FG, there is no option for Team A to take the score and enforce the 5-yard penalty on
the kickoff, as there would be on a Try.
7
Q
DEFENSIVE HOLDING—NOT TRIPPING
Second-and-9 on B45. A1 runs to the B41 where he is tackled. During the run, B2 reaches out and grabs blocker A2
by the ankle at the B43, causing A2 to go down.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B36. This is defensive holding, not tripping.
8
Q
BLOCK IN THE BACK—INTO THE TACKLE
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1’s punt is fielded by B1 at the B10, and during the return, B2 pushes A2 squarely in the
back at the B15, but the push actually pushes A2 into B1 at the B12 where he makes the tackle.
A
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. This is a foul for a block in the back.
9
Q
PASS BLOCKING—BLOCK IN THE BACK
Second-and-10 on B40. As quarterback A1 is in the pocket, lineman A2 is attempting to block defensive end B2. B2
gets completely past A2, and (a) A2; or (b) A3 (another lineman) pushes B2 directly in the back, pushing him past
A1. A1 then completes the pass for a touchdown.
A
Rulings: In both (a) and (b): Touchdown. This is a legal block because the contact occurred while the quarterback
was still in the pocket.
10
Q
PASS BLOCKING—QB OUT OF THE POCKET—BLOCK IN THE BACK
Second-and-10 on B40. After quarterback A1 has scrambled out of the pocket, lineman A2 loses contact with
defensive end B2. B2 has an unrestricted path to A1, but A2 pushes B2 directly in the back, causing him to miss the
tackle. A1 passes to A2 for a touchdown.
A
Ruling: Second-and-20 on 50. The illegal block in the back should be called, because the quarterback was, (or had
been), out of the pocket.
11
Q
BLOCK IN THE BACK—PUNT IN THE AIR—TEAM A OR B
Fourth-and-10 on 50. While A1’s punt is in the air: (a) B1 blocks flyer A2 in the back at the B18 and then B1 fair
catches the punt at the B12; (b) B1 blocks flyer A2 in the back at the B18 and then the untouched punt rolls into the
end zone; or (c) A3 blocks B4 in the back at the B40, after which the untouched punt rolls into the end zone.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. Post possession enforcement. (12-1-3-b)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B9. Since the ball is still alive at the time of the block, this is post-possession enforcement
from the spot of the foul, which is behind the end of the kick (B20).
(c) Fourth-and-20 on A40 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30.
12
Q
OFFENSIVE HOLDING AT TIME OF TACKLE
As B1 is returning the opening kickoff, (a) B2 holds A2 as A2 is making the tackle at the B30; or (b) B2 holds A2 at
the B30, five yards away from the runner, as B1 is being tackled by A3 at the B35.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. No foul. Offensive Holding will not be called if the runner is being simultaneously
tackled by any defensive player.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. No foul.
13
Q
TRIPPING OR LEG WHIP
Second-and-10 on B40. As QBA1 drops back to pass, blocker A2 is beaten by B2 on the pass rush. A2 falls to the
ground and (a) throws his leg out (no whipping motion); or (b) whips his leg around in an attempt to keep B2 from
sacking the quarterback. A2’s leg makes contact with B2 either above or below the knees. A1 runs to the B15.
A
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-20 on 50. Tripping. (12-1-8)
(b) Second-and-25 on A45. Unnecessary roughness (leg whip). In both situations, if there is a whipping motion, it
is a personal foul for a leg whip, regardless of where the contact occurs.
14
Q
ILLEGALLY KICKING/BATTING THE BALL—POTENTIAL RUNOFF AFTER TWO-MINUTE WARNING
Third-and-5 at B40. There is 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, and Team B is ahead in the score, 22-20. QB A1
muffs a hand to hand snap, and while the ball is loose on the ground (a) at the B41, or (b) at the B38, A1 deliberately
kicks or bats it out of bounds at the B34.
A
Rulings: (a) and (b) Fourth-and-15 on 50. This is a foul during a fumble, so the enforcement spot is the spot of
the fumble. Since that spot is behind the line of scrimmage, the foul is enforced from the previous spot, with a loss
of down. In addition, Team B can elect a 10-second runoff and start the clock on the ready, as this was an intentional
foul that stopped the clock. It is a 10-yard penalty and a loss of down for Team A to illegally kick or bat the ball on a
scrimmage play.
Note: If the foul for illegal kicking or batting occurs beyond the line of scrimmage on a scrimmage kick play, the foul
is enforced as a foul on a scrimmage kick play, and there is no loss of down.
15
Q
RUNNING/NOT RUNNING INTO KICKER—BALL TOUCHED BY B
Fourth-and-10 on A40. Team B puts a strong rush on the punter, and after B4 deflects the kick: (a) he runs into the
kicker; or (b) B5 runs into the kicker. The punt goes out of bounds at the B6.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6. No foul.
(b) Fourth-and-5 on A45 or B’s ball, first-and-10 on B6 (decline). Since B5 did not touch the punt, he cannot run
into or rough the kicker.
16
Q
NOT RUNNING INTO KICKER—BALL HITS GROUND
Fourth-and-4 on A40. Punter A1 muffs the snap at the A33 where it hits the ground. A1 recovers the ball at the A30,
and is run into by B1 while punting the ball. B2 recovers the ball at the B25.
A
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 at B25. No foul. Once the ball hits the ground on a punt, there can be no roughing or
running into the kicker. Normal unnecessary roughness protection applies.
17
Q
RUNNING INTO OR ROUGHING THE KICKER
Fourth-and 6 on A45. A1 punts the ball which goes out of bounds at the B10. B1, attempting to block the punt: (a)
brushes A1 with his right shoulder, but A1 remains upright; (b) hits A1’s kicking leg while it is extended, knocking A1
to the ground; (c) slides into A1’s plant leg, knocking him to the ground; (d) hits A1’s plant leg directly, knocking A1
to the ground; or (e) collides with A1 in the inner-thigh area or torso of his body, knocking A1 to the ground.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B10. No foul. There is no foul, if the contact with the kicker is incidental and minimal.
(b) Fourth-and-1 on 50, or B’s ball first-and-10 on B10. Running into the kicker.
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Roughing the kicker.
(d) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Roughing the kicker.
(e) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Roughing the kicker.
18
Q
RUNNING/ROUGHING/UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS—BALL SKIPS OFF GROUND
Fourth-and-3 on A45. The snap to punter A1 is low and skips off the ground once, but is fielded cleanly by A1, and
A1 is able to begin his normal punting motion. (a) B2 runs into A1 (not roughing); (b) B2 collides with A2 squarely in
the torso (normally enough for roughing); or (c) B2 throws a forearm into A2’s helmet. B2 does not block the punt.
The punt is shanked out of bounds on the B45.
A
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B45. No foul for running into the kicker, since the snap hit the ground. (12-2-10-e)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B45. No foul for roughing the kicker, since the snap hit the ground. (12-2-10-e)
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Unnecessary roughness. If the snap touches the ground, only unnecessary
roughness protection applies, and if the contact is unnecessary roughness, it is a foul whether or not B2 touches
the punt.
18
Q
CONTACT WITH KICKER—SECOND FOOT JUST HITS GROUND
Fourth-and-10 on B30. Field-goal kicker A1 kicks the ball at the B38 and his second foot just comes down to the
ground when: (a) B1 slides into A1 taking his feet out from under him and causing A1 to go to the ground; or (b) B1
bumps A1 on his feet causing A1 to stumble. The field goal is no good.
A
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Roughing the Kicker. (Running into the kicker is not an option when the second
foot has come back to the ground. If the contact is significant, this is roughing the kicker.)
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B38 (the spot of the kick). No foul. Once the second foot has come back to the ground
the only potential fouls are roughing the kicker or unnecessary roughness.
19
Q
ROUGHING/NOT ROUGHING THE HOLDER
Fourth-and-12 on B30. B2 leaves his feet in an attempt to block A1’s field goal attempt from the B38. He misses the
kick and: (a) lands in front of holder A2 and slides into him knocking him off his knees and to the ground; or (b)
makes slight contact with A2 and does not knock him over. The field goal is good.
A
Rulings:
(a) Field goal good, kickoff 50 or first-and-10 on B15 (take points off board). Roughing the holder.
(b) Field goal good, kickoff A35. No foul. There is no foul for running into the holder. Roughing is the only option
against the holder.
20
Q
ROUGHING THE PASSER
Second-and-10 on B35. Quarterback A1 rolls out of the pocket, and while moving, completes a pass to A2 who runs
out of bounds at the B12. Just after A1 released the ball, B1 launches and hits A1 in the chest area with the hairline
part of the helmet and then continues to rip up and contact A1 under the chin with his helmet.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-goal on B6. Roughing the passer.
21
Q
ROUGHING THE PASSER
Third-and-5 on 50. Quarterback A1, in the pocket, throws a pass to A2, who runs for a touchdown. Just after A1
released the ball, B1 lowers his head and hits A1 with the hairline part of his helmet in the chest area.
A
Ruling: Touchdown Team A, with the option to enforce the roughing the passer foul on the Try or the kickoff.
22
Q
ROUGHING/NOT ROUGHING THE PASSER (NO PASS THROWN)
Second-and-10 on B35. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass, and while he is standing in the pocket at the B46, B1
tackles him from behind by (a) driving the crown of his helmet into the back of A1; (b) contacting A1’s head with his
forearm; (c) forcibly tackling A1 below the knees; or (d) diving and landing on the ground while swiping with his arm
and catching A1 around the calf. A1 lands on the ground at the B45.
A
Rulings:
(a), (b), and (c): First-and-10 on B20. Roughing the passer. (12-2-9)
(d) Third-and-20 on B45. No foul. Not forcible contact in the knee area or below.
23
Q
ROUGHING THE PASSER—FUMBLE RECOVERED BY DEFENSE
Second-and-2 on B35. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass. B1 tackles him from behind by driving his lowered head
into the back of A1, contacting A1’s head with his forearm, or tackling A1 below the knees at the B44. As A1 is hit,
the ball leaves A1’s hand at the B45. The Referee correctly rules fumble. B2 recovers the ball at the B47.
A
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. The quarterback was in a passing posture, so in each instance it is a foul for
roughing the passer.
24
ROUGHING THE PASSER—ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS
Second-and-10 at the 50. A1 scrambles, runs to the B49, retreats to the A45, and then passes the ball to A2 at the
B40. After the ball has left A1’s hand, B1 takes two steps and hits Quarterback A1 facemask-to-facemask as he
tackles him.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on 50. Roughing the Passer and Illegal Forward Pass This is not a 5 vs 15 because the IFP
foul carries a loss of down penalty, so the fouls offset at the previous spot. Roughing-the-passer rules apply on all
legal and illegal forward passes thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
25
ACTION AGAINST QUARTERBACK WHEN PASS IS THROWN FROM BEYOND LINE
Second-and-10 on A20. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass but is chased out of the pocket and scrambles. At the
A21, believing he is still behind the line, A1 throws a pass to A2 who catches the ball and goes out of bounds at the
A35. Just as A1 releases the pass, B2: (a) B2 hits him helmet to helmet in an attempt to tackle him; (b) B2’s arm hits
A1’s helmet as B2 tries to tackle him; (c) B2 clubs A1 in the head as he attempts to make the tackle; or (d) B2 tackles
A1 below the knees.
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-10 on A20. Replay the down. This is unnecessary roughness and an illegal forward pass, but it is
not a 5 vs. 15, because the illegal forward pass beyond the line is not a simple 5.
(b) Third-and-14 on A16. This is not a foul by B2, because the passer is beyond the line. The illegal forward pass
is enforced from the spot of the foul with a loss of down.
(c) Second-and-10 on A20. Replay the down. The unnecessary roughness and illegal forward pass offset. (Not a 5
vs. 15).
(d) Third-and-14 on A16. This is not a foul by B2, because the passer is beyond the line. The illegal forward pass
is enforced from the spot of the foul with a loss of down.
26
TACKLING QUARTERBACK AT OR BELOW THE KNEES - SWIPE VERSUS WRAP
Second-and-10 on A40. QB A1 drops back in the pocket to pass. As B1 is rushing quarterback A1, he is blocked
and falls to the ground. B1 stays on the ground and crawls toward A1, and while still on the ground, tackles A1 at or
below the knees at the A30 by: (a) reaching out with one hand and swiping A1’s legs out from under him; or (b) by
reaching out and forcibly wrapping his arm around A1’s leg.
Rulings:
(a) Third-and-20 on A30. No foul.
(b) First-and-10 on B45. Roughing the passer.
27
NOT ROUGHING THE PASSER—EXTENDING ARMS
Second-and-10 on A40. B1 is rushing quarterback A1, and after A1 has released the pass, B1, who is within one
step of A1, pushes A1 to the ground. The pass falls incomplete.
Ruling: Third-and-10 on A40. No foul. If the action is late and clearly part of a second act after the pass is released,
it is a foul for roughing the passer.
28
ROUGHING THE PASSER—QUARTERBACK DUCKS
Second-and-10 on A20. A1 drops back to pass, and as he is about to be sacked in the pocket, he ducks his head to
avoid contact. Just as he ducks his head, B1, who is attempting to tackle him, forcibly hits A1: (a) helmet-to-helmet;
or (b) in the helmet with his right arm and takes him to the ground at the A15.
Rulings: (a) and (b) First-and-10 on A35. Roughing the passer. The onus is on the defender to avoid forcible contact
to the head of the quarterback
29
NOT ROUGHING THE PASSER—QUARTERBACK IS OUT OF THE POCKET
First-and-10 on A20. Quarterback A1 rolls out of the pocket, and while moving, throws an incomplete pass. Defender
B1 takes two steps after A1 released the ball and then tackles A1.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on A20. Not roughing the passer as the one-step rule is not in effect when the quarterback
is out of the pocket, unless the quarterback stops and sets up again in a passing position.
30
ROUGHING THE PASSER—LANDING ON QB WITH ALL OF DEFENDER’S BODY WEIGHT
First-and-10 on A30. QB A1 throws a pass from the pocket that falls incomplete, and B1 tackles him within one step
after the ball is released. B1 (a) makes a normal tackling motion without lifting or driving the QB into the ground, but
lands on him with his entire body weight or (b) lifts and slams the QB down but gets his body to the side of the QB.
Rulings: (a) and (b): First-and-10 on A45. Roughing the passer. The defender is prohibited from landing on the QB
with all or most of his body weight, even during a normal tackle. The defender is also prohibited from lifting and
driving the QB into the ground as he is making the tackle, even if he gets to the side of the QB when they land on
the ground.
31
CLIPPING IN CLOSE-LINE PLAY
First-and-10 on B40. Back A2 runs left and right tackle A5 blocks B5 below the waist (above the knees) from behind
at the line of scrimmage. B5 was lined up opposite the offensive center A6. A2 runs for a touchdown.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-25 on A45. Clipping by A5, since B5 was lined up more than one position removed and
was responding to the flow of the ball away from A5.
32
CLIPPING IN CLOSE-LINE PLAY—AT OR BELOW KNEES
First-and-10 on A40. On a running play, left guard A1 at the A42 hits nose tackle B2 below the knees from behind.
This action occurs as B2 is in pursuit of the runner. The runner is downed at the A47.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-23 on A27. Clipping. If A1’s block was above the knee would be a legal clip in this situation.
33
CLIPPING IN CLOSE-LINE PLAY—ROLL UP BLOCK
Second-and-3 on B48. Right guard A3 hits nose tackle B3 below the waist from behind as B3 is in pursuit of the
runner at the B49. A3 then rolls up on the back or side of the legs of B3.
Ruling: A’s ball, second-and-18 on A37. The initial block is legal, but the rolling-up action causes this to become a
foul for unnecessary roughness.
34
CLIPPING BY OFFENSIVE BACK
Second-and-4 on B14. QBA1 hands off to Back A2 at the B16. A2 runs around the right side to the B9. After the
snap, left wing back A3, (who was not flexed), blocks B4 from behind, below the waist but above the knees, at the
B16, behind the original position of the left guard.
Ruling: Second-and-19 on B29. Clipping. Blocking below the waist from behind is only legal, (subject to specific
limitations), in close line play by offensive linemen.
35
CRACKBACK—NOT FLEXED
Third-and-5 on A40. A2 is set one yard outside of tackle A3. At the snap, A2 goes towards the center and blocks B1
low from the side at the A42, toward the original spot of the snap. A4 runs to the A46.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A46. Legal block, since A2 was not flexed - he was lined up within two yards of
tackle A3. (12-2-2)
36
CRACKBACK—PLAYER IN MOTION—NOT FLEXED AT THE SNAP
Third-and-5 on A40. Slot-back A2, lined up on the right side of the formation, goes in motion toward the ball, and at
the snap, is behind the normal position of the right tight end. A2 blocks B3 below the waist at the A43. A2 runs out
of bounds at the A46.
Ruling: Third-and-17 on A28. Illegal crackback block. A man in motion is not permitted to crackback, even if he is
not flexed at the snap.
37
CRACKBACK—LOCATION OF BLOCK
First-and-10 on A30. Quarterback A1 runs to the A35 where he is downed. After the snap, wide receiver A3, who
was lined up six yards outside his tackle at the snap, came back in toward the ball and blocked B1 below the waist:
(a) at the A26; (b) at the A34; (c) at the A23; or (d) at the A33 beyond the original position of the ball.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-25 on A15. Illegal crackback.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-21 on A19. Illegal crackback.
(c) A’s ball, first-and-25 on A15. Illegal block below the waist because the block occurs outside the tight end box.
(d) A’s ball, second-and-5 on A35. This is not an illegal crackback block, because the blocker was moving away
from the original position of the ball when the block occurred.
38
CRACKBACK—PLAYER ORIGINALLY NOT FLEXED
Second-and-7 on A39. Quarterback A1 hands off to A3 who runs right and hands off to A4 who runs wide around
left end to the B40. Following the hand off, quarterback A1 becomes a lead blocker, turns the corner, (more than 2
yards outside the original position of the left tackle), and comes back toward where the ball was snapped, and blocks
tackle B7 low at the A40.
Ruling: Second-and-21 on A25. Illegal crackback block. This would also be an illegal block below the waist if the
block was outside the tight end box. The tight end box does not disappear when the ball leaves the box.
39
CRACKBACK—TIGHT END/WINGBACK—FLEXED/NOT FLEXED
Third-and-8 on 50. Prior to runner A2 sweeping around right end to the B40, A3, who is lined up on the right side of
the formation, dives back in toward the ball and blocks B1 below the waist at the 50. At the snap, A3 was located (a)
at tight end or wing back with his inside foot 1½ yards outside the right tackle’s outside foot; (b) at tight end or wing
back with his inside foot 2 yards outside the right tackle’s outside foot; (c) at tight end or wing back with his inside
foot 2½ yards outside the right tackle’s outside foot; or (d) at tight end with his inside foot 2 yards outside the right
tackle’s outside foot, but after the snap, he moves 3 yards outside and then blocks back toward the ball; or (e) at
wing back with his inside foot 2 yards outside the right tackle’s outside foot, but after the snap, he moves three yards
outside and then blocks back toward the ball.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B40. Legal block. Not flexed.
(b) First-and-10 on B40. Legal block. Not flexed.
(c) Third-and-23 on A35. Illegal crackback.
(d) First-and-10 on B40. Legal block. On the line of scrimmage and not flexed at the snap.
(e) Third-and-23 on A35. Illegal crackback, as A3 was in a backfield position at the snap.
40
CRACKBACK BLOCK
Third-and-5 on 50. A2 is lined up wide to the right on the line of scrimmage. A3 sweeps wide around the right side
and runs out of bounds at the B40. During the run, blocker A2 comes back toward the center of the field from the
50-yard line, and blocks defensive end B1 (a) low at the B46; (b) low at the B44; (c) with force to the head or neck
area at the B46, with his forearm, shoulder, or head (without lowering his head); (d) with force to the head or neck
area at the B44, with his forearm, shoulder, or head (without lowering his head); or (e) with force to the rib area at
the A44 with his forearm, shoulder, or head (without lowering his head).
Rulings:
(a) Third-and-16 on A39. Illegal crackback block (low) in the five-yard belt.
(b) Third-and-14 on A41. Illegal block below the waist outside of the tight end box.
(c) Third-and-16 on A39. Illegal crackback block (high) in the five-yard belt.
(d) First-and-10 on B40. Legal block, as it occurred more than 5 yards from the line of scrimmage in the direction
of Team B’s end line.
(e) Third-and-20 on A35. Blindside block. Although this action is not an illegal crackback, because it is not within
the 5-yard belt, it is parallel or back toward the blocker’s end line, so it is a blindside block.
Note: If a defender is in a position that protects him from an illegal crackback block, he is protected from blocks
below the waist, as well as forcible hits to the head or neck area by the defender, or hits to the body by the defender
with his head.
41
ILLEGAL CRACKBACK BLOCK
Third-and-10 on 50. A1 drops back to pass, but cannot find an open receiver, so he scrambles around the right side
and out of bounds at the B40. Tailback A2 had gone to the right for a swing pass, and as A1 scrambles to the right,
A2 comes back toward the middle of the field from the 50 and (a) blocks B1 low at the B46 behind the original
position of the tight end, or (b) blocks B1 to the head with the blocker’s head (not lowered), shoulder, or forearm at
the B46.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, third-and-21 on A39. Illegal crackback block.
(b) A’s ball, third-and-21 on A39. Illegal crackback block.
42
BLINDSIDE BLOCK / LEGAL BLOCK
A1’s punt is caught by B1 at the B20. B1 loops around toward the sideline, as A2 takes a pursuit angle to try and cut
B1 off. B2 is blocking for B1 and angles from the B35 to the B30, where he makes forcible contact with A2. (a) B2
contacts A2’s head with his head, shoulder or forearm; (b) B2 contacts A2’s shoulder or any part of his torso (above
the waist) with B2’s head, shoulder or forearm; (c) B2 pushes A2’s body or shoulder with his hands, not contacting
A2 with B2’s body; or (d) B2 steps in front of A2, screening him from getting to B1. B1 is tackled at the B40.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Blindside block.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B15. Blindside block.
(c) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Legal block.
(d) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Legal block.
Note: It is a foul if a player initiates a block when his path is toward or parallel to his own end line and makes forcible
contact to his opponent with his helmet, forearm, or shoulder.
43
BLINDSIDE BLOCK— LEGAL / ILLEGAL BLOCK
Second-and-5 on A30. A2 takes a handoff from a QB under center or in shotgun position and runs off right tackle to
the A35. Left tackle A3 pulls and crosses to the right side of the formation, moving at an angle that is parallel to the
line of scrimmage, and kicks out left defensive tackle B2 while B2 is behind (a) the normal right tackle position, or
(b) the normal right tight end position. The block is to the body of B2, (below the neck and head area), with A3’s
head (not UOH), shoulder, or forearm.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on A35. Legal block, because it occurred between the tackles and within 3 yards of either side the
line of scrimmage.
(b) Second-and-20 on A15. Blindside block, because the block occurred outside the normal position of the tackles.
Note: It is not a foul for a blindside block if the forcible contact occurs in “close line play” prior to the ball leaving that
area. The ball is not considered to have left that area if the player who takes the snap, either from a shotgun position
or from under center, retreats in the pocket immediately or with a slight delay, and hands the ball to another player,
or runs with the ball himself. This exception does not apply to any action other than a designed play. Any forcible
contact in “close line play” is still subject to the restrictions for crackback and peel back blocks.
44
BLINDSIDE BLOCK—BALL IN / OUT OF TACKLE TO TACKLE AREA
Second-and-10 on 50. QB A1 hands off to A2 who runs off right tackle to the B25. Immediately after the snap,
receiver A3, who was on the line of scrimmage and split 5 yards outside the right tackle at the snap, comes back
toward the ball and blocks nose guard B1 who had crossed the line of scrimmage and was at the A48 behind the
original position of the offensive right guard. The block is with force, shoulder to shoulder. (a) A1 was a T-quarterback,
or (b) A1 was in shotgun at the snap, 5 yards behind the line.
Ruling: In (a) and (b): First-and-10 on B25. Legal block because the block occurred in an area within 3 yards of the
line of scrimmage from tackle to tackle before the ball left that area. The ball is not considered to have left that area
due to a shotgun snap, so long as the ensuing action is a designed run play.
45
BLINDSIDE BLOCK / LEGAL BLOCK
Second-and-5 on A30. A2 takes a handoff from a shotgun or T-QB and starts to sweep around the right end. As he
is (a) behind the normal position of the right tackle, or (b) behind the normal position of the tight end, he stops and
changes direction toward the middle of the field. Left tackle A3 sees A2 change direction, runs toward him, and
forcibly blocks defensive end B2 at the A28 in the chest with his head (not UOH), forearm, or shoulder. The block
occurs behind the normal right guard position and is parallel to the line of scrimmage. A2 runs to the 50, where he
is tackled.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on the 50. This is a legal block, as it occurred within the tackle to tackle area, within 3 yards of the
line of scrimmage, and before the ball left that area.
(b) Second-and-20 on A15. Blindside block. Although this block occurs within the tackle to tackle area, and within
3 yards of the line of scrimmage, the block occurred after the ball left that area.
Note: Once the ball leaves the tackle to tackle area within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage, the area disappears and
a block that satisfies the requirements of a blindside block is illegal even if the ball re-enters that area.
46
CRACKBACK—UNBALANCED FORMATION—FLEXED
First-and-10 on B25. Left tackle A3 lines up on the right side of the line, creating an unbalanced formation, with tight
end A2 lined up to the right of A3. Right tight end A2 then cracks back at the line of scrimmage. A1 runs around right
end to the B15.
Ruling: First-and-25 on B40. A2 is flexed and thus prohibited from cracking back.
47
LOW BLOCK IN THE PROCESS OF TACKLING/FAILING TO TACKLE RUNNER
Third-and-10 on B20. B1 intercepts A1’s pass on the B10 and returns it with blockers B2 and B3 directly in front of
B1. During the return, at the B40, A1 dives low in an attempt to tackle B1, and in the process: (a) goes through B2
below the waist before making the tackle at the B40; or (b) misses the tackle and then makes contact with B7 below
the waist. B1 runs out of bounds at the 50.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. Illegal low block.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. No foul.
Note: If A1 is attempting to make the tackle, he cannot go low through an opponent to get to the ball carrier. If, after
attempting to make a tackle, he accidentally makes contact with an opponent below the waist, it is not a foul for an
illegal low block.
48
LOW BLOCK TEAM B—PUNT
Fourth-and-2 on A45. Team A lines up in a punt formation. After the ball is kicked, flyer A4 is blocked below the waist
from the front by B4 at the 50. B1 fair catches the punt at the B14.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B7. Illegal low block by B4. The restriction on Team B begins at the snap. This is a
post-possession foul.
49
LOW BLOCK TEAM A—PUNT
Fourth-and-2 on A45. Team A lines up in a punt formation. Right guard A7 blocks B4 low (a) immediately after the
snap, or (b) after the punt. B1 fair catches the punt at the B14.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B14. No foul. Team A’s restriction against blocking low begins after the punt and the low
block occurs inside the tight end box.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B29 or A’s ball, fourth-and-17 on A30. Illegal low block after the punt.
Note: The restriction against blocking below the waist during a down in which there is a punt, begins after the snap
for Team B, but not until after the punt for Team A.
50
LOW BLOCK TEAM B—BLOCKED PUNT
Fourth-and-5 on 50. B1 blocks the punt which goes to the A34 where A2 attempts to recover. B2 blocks A2 below
the waist from the side at the A32 just prior to B1 recovering the ball and running to the A15, where he is downed.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Blocking below the waist is prohibited by the receiving team during a down in
which there is a kick or change of possession. This is not a post-possession foul, because the kick did not cross the
line of scrimmage, so enforcement is from the previous spot with an automatic first down.
51
PUNT—TEAM B PUSHING TEAMMATE INTO OPPONENT
Fourth-and-20 on 50. Team A lines up a in punt formation. At the snap, B1 and B2 push down-lineman B3 into the
center in an attempt to block the punt. A2’s punt goes out of bounds at the B15.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Team B cannot push a teammate into the offensive formation during a down
in which there is a scrimmage kick formation, and it is a foul whether there is a kick or not. This is not a post-possession foul, because it is an attempt to block the kick, so enforcement is from the previous spot with an automatic first down.
52
LOW BLOCK TEAM B—FREE KICK
A1 kicks off from the A35. During the return, B2 contacts A3 below the waist at the knees at the B30. The kickoff is
returned to the 50. (a) B2 slips and falls causing him to contact A3 below the waist; (b) B2 is pushed by teammate
B4, causing B2 to contact A3 below the waist; (c) B2 intentionally dives at A3’s knees, but A3 gets his hands on B2
just before the contact; or (d) B2 intentionally blocks A3 at the knees.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on 50. No foul.
(b) First-and-10 on 50. No foul.
(c) First-and-10 on B15. Illegal low block.
(d) First-and-10 on B15. Illegal low block.
53
PERSONAL FOUL TEAM B—FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPT
Fourth-and-18 on B38. Team A attempts a field goal from the B45 that is blocked and remains behind the line of
scrimmage. As A4 attempts to recover the ball, B2 grabs and pulls A2’s facemask at the B38. B3 falls on the loose
ball at the B40.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B23. Since the kick did not cross the line, it is not a post possession foul. The
facemask penalty is enforced from the previous spot and is an automatic first down. If the kick had crossed and
rebounded behind the line, it would be a post possession foul, and Team B would keep the ball after enforcement of
its foul from the spot of the foul or the end of the kick.
54
LOW BLOCK TEAM B—FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPT
Fourth-and-9 on B35. On an attempted field goal kicked from the B43, B2, who is lined up opposite guard A6, blocks
A6 low at the knees immediately after the snap. The kick is wide to the right.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Team B fouls that occur immediately after the snap on field-goal attempts are
considered to have happened in an attempt to block the kick and are therefore not treated as post-possession fouls;
they are therefore enforced from the previous spot. On scrimmage kick plays, Team B players cannot block below
the waist from the time of the snap until the end of the down; Team A players cannot block below the waist from the
time of the kick until the end of the down.
55
LOW BLOCK TEAM B—FIELD-GOAL FORMATION—KICK IS NOT MADE
Fourth-and-4 on B23. Holder A2 muffs the snap and attempts to run for a first down. He is tackled at the B20. At the
snap, B4 blocked guard A6 below the waist.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. This block is legal since there was no kick made during the down.
56
LOW BLOCK— DOUBLE CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-2 on A45. B5 intercepts a pass at the B10 and runs to the B20 where he fumbles. A3 recovers and runs
the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. A4 blocked B5 below the waist from the front at the B10 during A3’s run.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. Neither team may block below the waist after a change of possession.
57
LOW BLOCK—TEAM A—OUTSIDE THE TIGHT END BOX—PASS
Second-and-10 on B45. Wide receiver A4 is flexed four yards outside tackle A5, and slot back A2 is positioned one
yard to the inside of A4. Following the snap and prior to the pass, A4 hesitates as slot back A2 fires out and blocks
cornerback B2 who is pressing A4. The block, which is below the waist and away from the ball, springs A4 on an
inside slant route. A4 catches the pass and scores.
Ruling: A’s ball, second-and-25 on A40. Illegal block below the waist because the low block occurs outside the tight
end box. This would also be offensive pass interference by A2 if the contact occurred more than one yard beyond
the line of scrimmage.
58
CHOP BLOCK (ONE MAN)—LURE
Second-and-5 on B40. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass and A5 sets up to pass block, but he does not make
contact with the defensive player. A6 is adjacent to A5. As A5 shows pass block, A6 blocks the defensive player in
front of A5 in the area of the thigh or lower. The pass is complete to A4 for a touchdown, and: (a) A5 is the offensive
tackle and A6 is the tight end; (b) A5 is the center and A6 is the left guard; or (c) A5 is the tight end and A6 is the
wing back.
Rulings: In (a), (b), and (c): Second-and-20 on A45. This is an illegal “lure” chop block. Anytime an offensive player
sets up to block in a fashion that “lures” the defender, it is a chop block when another offensive player then
immediately blocks that defender below the waist. This applies to all type plays - run, pass, or kick.
59
CHOP BLOCK – LURE ON RUN, PASS, KICK
Second-and-10 on B40. At the snap, right tackle A2 retreats a step and sets up to block B2, who is across from him.
As B2 starts forward, right guard A3 blocks B2 below the waist. A2 never makes contact with B2. This occurs (a) on
a pass play, (b) on a running play, or (c) on a kick play. Team A gains a first down on the play.
Rulings: (a), (b), (c): Second-and-25 on A45. Anytime an offensive player sets up to block in a fashion that “lures”
the defender, it is a chop block when another offensive player then immediately blocks that defender below the waist.
This applies to all type plays - run, pass, or kick.
60
CHOP BLOCK—RUN
Third-and-5 on A40. Quarterback A1 hands off to back A2 who runs wide around right end to the 50. While tackle
A5 is contacting B5, wing back A3 blocks B5 in the area of the thigh at the line of scrimmage. The block occurred:
(a) at the normal position of the tight end; or (b) outside the normal position of the tight end.
Rulings: (a) and (b) Third-and-20 on A25. Illegal chop block. Any high/low block is illegal anywhere on the field on
any type of play
61
CHOP BLOCK ON QUICK KICK
Third-and-35 on A10. The ball is snapped thru T-QB A1’s legs to tailback A2 who punts the ball, which rolls dead at
the 50. Immediately after the snap, left tackle A3 and fullback A2 chop block B1 who is attempting to get to A2.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. A chop block is illegal anywhere on the field on any type of play. (Team B also
has the option to enforce the foul from the previous spot with the down repeated, although that choice would be
unlikely).
62
CHOP BLOCK—RUN
Third-and-5 on A30. Quarterback A1 hands off to running back A2 who runs wide around right end to the 50. Center
A5 posts up nose guard B1 at the line of scrimmage, and lineman A6 chops B1 in the area of the thigh or lower.
Lineman A6’s original position is: (a) left guard; (b) left tackle; or (c) right tackle.
Rulings: (a), (b), and (c) A’s ball, third-and-20 on A15. Illegal chop block. All chop blocks are illegal anywhere on
the field on any type of play.
63
PEEL BACK BLOCK
Second-and-10 on A30. As A2 takes a handoff and runs around the right end to the A40: (a) guard A3 or; (b) TE A6
“peels back” toward his own end zone and blocks B2 on the side below the waist at the A35.
Rulings: (a) and (b) A’s ball, second-and-20 on A20. No offensive player, regardless of where he is aligned at the
snap, may block a defensive player below the waist from the side while moving toward the blocker’s end line. If the
block occurred outside the tight end box, this would also be an illegal block below the waist.
Note: If the blocker can get his near shoulder completely across the front of both of the defender’s legs, it is not a
peel back block, but would still be an illegal block below the waist if the block occurs outside the tight end box.
64
HITTING DEFENSELESS PLAYER - LAUNCH
Second-and-5 on 50. Quarterback A1 throws a pass to A2 at the B40. A2 leaps for the pass and it goes off his hands
incomplete. As A2 is airborne, B2 launches and hits A2 in the chest: (a) with any part of his helmet after lowering his
head or (b) with his head up, so that his facemask hits A2’s chest.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Contact with any part of the helmet when a defender lowers his head prior to
contact is a foul, regardless of the launch.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Unnecessary roughness. If B2 launches, contact with any part of the helmet,
including the facemask, is a foul.
65
HITTING DEFENSELESS PLAYER—PASS COMPLETE/INCOMPLETE
Second-and-5 on 50. Quarterback A1 throws a pass to A2 at the B40. A2 leaps for the pass, and while he is
defenseless, B2 lowers his head and hits A2 in the chest, shoulder pads, or head with his helmet, or in the head with
his forearm, and: (a) the pass falls incomplete; or (b) A2 hangs on to the pass and is tackled at the B38.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B23. Hitting a defenseless player with the any part of the helmet after lowering his head
prior to contact, or hitting a defenseless player’s head or neck area with the forearm, is a foul regardless of
whether the pass is complete.
66
HITTING DEFENSELESS PLAYER—LEGAL/ILLEGAL HITS
Second-and-11 on 50. Quarterback A1 throws a pass to A2 at the B40. A2 leaps for the pass, B2 hits A2, and A2
goes to the ground at the B40 and hangs on to the ball.
(a) B2 hit A2 in the head with: any part of his helmet, facemask to facemask, his shoulder, or his forearm;
(b) B2 lowers his head prior to contact and hit A2 in the chest with any part of his helmet.
(c) B2 hit A2 in the chest with his facemask (face up);
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B25. Hit against a defenseless player.
(b) First-and-10 on B25. Hit against a defenseless player.
(c) Third-and-1 no B40. Legal hit—not to the head or neck area, and the defender did not lower his head.
67
HIT ON DEFENSELESS INELIGIBLE RECEIVER—ILLEGAL FORMATION
Second-and-10 on B45. Tight end A2 is “covered” on the line of scrimmage by wideout A3. A2 goes downfield and
attempts to catch a pass. A2 is in a defenseless posture at the B25 when B1 lowers his head and hits him with any
part of his helmet to any part of A2’s body. The pass falls incomplete.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B30. Ineligible receivers are given the same protection against illegal hits on defenseless
receivers as is given to eligible receivers. (This is also an illegal formation and ineligible man downfield by the
offense, resulting in a 5 vs.15 enforcement).
68
HIT TO HEAD OF ELIGIBLE RECEIVER WITHIN LEGAL CHUCK ZONE
Second-and-10 on B30. Flexed receiver A2 is running a crossing pattern at the B27 when linebacker B3, who is at
the B26, makes helmet-to-helmet contact with A2 knocking him down. A1’s pass is incomplete.
Ruling: A first-and-10 on B15. Unnecessary roughness. A receiver running a route gets defenseless player
protection and may not be contacted in the head, from the side or behind, even within the legal five-yard chuck zone.
69
HITTING DEFENSELESS PLAYER—SNAPPER ON FIELD GOAL OR TRY
Fourth-and-5 on B18. Kicker A1’s field goal attempt from the B26 is wide right. At the snap, B1 who was lined up
over guard A6, (a) made contact with the outside shoulder of snapper A2 as he tried to rush the kick; or (b) takes a
direct line and drives his shoulder into the neck of the snapper while his head was down.
Rulings:
(a) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B26. No foul.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B9. Unnecessary roughness, the snapper on a field goal or Try attempt is a defenseless
player until he has an opportunity to defend himself or moves downfield.
70
HITTING DEFENSELESS PLAYER—KICK RETURNER
Fourth-and-10 on A30. Punt returner B6 does not give a fair catch signal and moves to catch kicker A1’s punt at the
B45.
(a) Just as B6 catches the ball, A3 hits him in the helmet with his shoulder. B6 maintains the ball as he goes to the
ground.
(b) B6 controls the kick but, before he can take a step, A3 lowers his helmet and hits B6 in the ribs with the hairline
of his helmet. B6 loses control of the ball, which is recovered by A4 at the B40.
(c) B6 muffs the ball into the air at chest level and, as he attempts to gain to possession A3 hits him with a forearm
to the neck area and the ball bounces to the 50 where it is recovered by A4.
(d) B6 muffs the ball 3 yards to his right where it hits the ground. Just after the muff, A3 hits B6 in the helmet with
his shoulder. The ball is recovered by A4 at the 50.
(e) Just as B6 catches the ball, A3 hits him in the helmet with his shoulder. B6 maintains control of the ball and runs
to the 50, where he is tackled.
(f) As soon as B6 touches the ball, A2 tackles him around the hips, which causes B6 to muff the ball. A4 recovers
the ball at the B45.
Rulings:
(a)-(d) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A40. Unnecessary roughness. A kickoff or punt returner attempting to field a kick in
the air is a defenseless player regardless of whether he gives a fair catch signal. The penalty is enforced from
the spot of the foul and Team B retains possession.
(e) B’s ball, first-and-10 on A35. The penalty for unnecessary roughness can be enforced from the dead-ball spot
because Team B had possession at the end of the down and there were no other fouls; see 14-2-4.
(f) A’s ball first-and-10 on B45. A punt returner who does not signal for a fair catch may be contacted as soon as
he touches the punt, as long as the contact is legal.
71
NOT HIT ON DEFENSELESS PLAYER—BOTH PLAYERS PLAYING BALL
Second-and-10 on B20. Team A trails 28-24 with five seconds remaining in the game. Quarterback A1 throws a
pass to A2 in the end zone. As the ball approaches A2, B2 makes a break on the ball. Both A2 and B2 collide as
they jump, shoulder to shoulder, while both are making a play on the ball, and there is helmet contact by (a) B2 with
his shoulder and (b) both players. Both players had an equal opportunity to get to the ball. The pass falls incomplete.
Time expires on the play.
Ruling: Game over. This is not a foul for a hit on a defenseless player in both (a) and (b), since both players were
making a play on the ball, had equal position, and any helmet contact is deemed incidental.
72
MAKING FORCIBLE CONTACT AFTER LOWERING HEAD
Second-and-5 on 50. A2 runs either inside or outside of the tackles to the (a) B48; or (b) B40; where he lowers his
head and makes forcible contact hitting B2 in the helmet or his body.
Rulings:
(a) Second-and-18 on A37.
(b) Second-and-10 on A45. No player may lower his head and make forcible contact with an opponent anywhere
on the body and anywhere on the field. (12-2-8)
73
DEFENDER LOWERS HEAD AND FORCIBLY CONTACTS RUNNER
First-and-Goal on B10. A2 runs around right end and angles toward the goal line pylon. B3, also coming from an
angle, lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet knocking A2 out of bounds at the B4.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-goal on B2. Regardless of the path taken by the defender, he is not permitted to lower his
head and make forcible contact to any part of a runner’s head or body anywhere on the field.
74
TACKLE LOWERS HEAD WHILE BLOCKING AND FORCIBLY CONTACTS DEFENDER
First-and-10 on B20. After the snap, left tackle A3 lowers his head and makes forcible contact with the rushing DE
B3 in his (a) helmet or (b) his chest. QB A1’s pass is incomplete.
Rulings: (a) and (b) First-and-25 on B35 or second-and-10 on B20. No player is permitted to lower his helmet and
make forcible contact with an opponent.
75
CORNERBACK LOWERS HEAD AND FORCIBLY HITS RECEIVER IN THE SHOULDER IN COVERAGE
First-and-10 on 50. Receiver A4 comes off the line running a deep pattern. Cornerback B2, in press coverage, lowers
his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against the shoulder of A4 at the B46. A4 catches a pass and
is tackled at the B30.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B15. No player is permitted to lower his helmet and make forcible contact with an opponent.
76
USE OF THE HELMET – BRACING FOR IMPACT
First-and-10 on A20. A1 hands the ball to A2 who runs around the right end. As A2 is about to be tackled by B2, he
braces for impact by lowering his head to absorb the contact. B2 lowers his head and makes forcible contact helmet
to helmet against A2, who is tackled at the A25.
Ruling: First-and-10 on A40. Use of Helmet foul by B2. The contact by A2 is not deemed a foul as he was bracing
for impact and not making forcible contact to an opponent.
77
USE OF THE HELMET – FORCIBLE HELMET CONTACT THRUSTING FORWARD AND UPWARD
Third-and-5 on A35. Right Tackle A8 pulls around the left end and lowers his head, thrusts forward and upward,
making forcible helmet contact with B6 at the A40. Runner A3 is tackled at the A45. Right Tackle A8’s feet are (a)
stationary upon contact, or (b) still moving forward at contact.
Ruling: Third-and-15 on A25. In both (a) and (b) it is a foul for Use of Helmet by A8.
78
USE OF THE HELMET – FIRST POINT OF CONTACT
First-and-10 on A20. A1 hands the ball to A2, who runs around the left end. B2 lowers his head and makes forcible
contact against A2 by first hitting A2’s right shoulder with his forearm, followed immediately by forcible contact by
B2’s helmet to the helmet of A2. A2 goes to the ground at the A40.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B45. Use of Helmet foul by B2. The forcible contact by B2 after he lowers his head is still a
foul even though his forearm was the first body part to contact A2, followed immediately by his helmet contact to the
head of A2.
79
HEAD SLAP
Third-and-6 on 50. Quarterback A1 throws a pass to end A2, and the pass falls incomplete at the B40. B2 head slaps
A3 at the A48 prior to the pass.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. Personal foul by B2; penalize from the previous spot.
80
RUNNER GRABS AND CONTROLS DEFENDER’S FACEMASK-DEFENDER GRABS RUNNER’S FACEMASK
First-and-10 on A45. Quarterback A1 hands off to A2, who runs around right end to the B30. During the advance,
A2 grabs defender B1 by the facemask at the B35, wrapping his fingers around the mask, and (a) twists it; or (b)
controls the tackler’s head, but releases it before he turns or twists the facemask. B1 also grabs, but immediately
releases A2’s facemask at the B30 during the tackle (no pull, twist, or control).
Rulings:
(a) First-and-5 on 50. Enforcement is from the spot of the foul. (12-2-14)
(b) First-and-5 on 50. A2 controlled B1’s mask, so it is a foul. B1 immediately released A2’s mask without controlling
it, so there is no foul.
81
FACEMASK—NO CONTROL OR TWIST OF MASK
Second-and-10 on A35. A1 runs to the A44 where B1 tackles him, and in the process, grabs and immediately
releases A1’s facemask (no twist, turn, control or pull). As A1 was running through the line, left guard A2 grabbed
the mask of defender B2 as he was blocking him, but immediately released it, and did not push B2’s head back.
Ruling: Third-and-1 on A44. No foul for facemask or illegal hands to the face.
82
GRASPING HELMET OPENING
First-and-10 on A40. Quarterback A1 hands off to A2 who runs to the B30. During the advance, B2 grabs runner A2
by the helmet opening and: (a) immediately releases it without twisting the helmet; or (b) pulls A2 down by the helmet
opening in the process of the tackle at the B30.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B30. No foul. (12-2-6-j)
(b) First-and-10 on B15. Unnecessary roughness for twisting the helmet opening.
83
HORSE COLLAR—QUARTERBACK—IN OR OUT OF POCKET
Second-and-10 on B40. As quarterback A1 starts to scramble, B1 pulls A1 down from behind by grabbing the inside
collar of the back of the shoulder pads or jersey, inside the collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, or
grabbing the jersey at the nameplate or above, and pulls A1 to the ground at the B45. When this occurs, (a) A1 is
still in the pocket; or (b) A1 is outside the pocket.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, third-and-15 on B45. No foul, as the quarterback (or runner) was still in the pocket (or tackle box).
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. It is not necessary for the runner to go to the ground for it to be a foul. If the runner’s
knees buckle due to the action it is a foul.
84
HORSE COLLAR—NO IMMEDIATE TAKEDOWN OF RUNNER—FUMBLE
First-and-10 on A30. A2 breaks through the line and is at the B30 when B1 catches him from behind, grabs the back
collar of A2’s shoulder pads, or the jersey at the nameplate or above and pulls him back and to the ground at the
B24. However, before A2 hits the ground, he fumbles at the B22, and B1 recovers at the B20.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 at B11. It is a personal foul regardless of whether B1 pulled A2 down immediately after
grabbing the collar. Since Team B recovered the ball, the foul is enforced from the spot of the fumble.
85
HORSE COLLAR—DIRECTION RUNNER IS TAKEN TO THE GROUND
Second-and-10 on B40. A2 takes a handoff and runs around left end toward the sideline. B1 grabs the inside of A2’s
shoulder pad opening (or the inside of his jersey) on the side or back and pulls A2 to the ground, twisting around in
front of A2 so that A2 goes to the ground face first at the B35.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Horse-collar tackle. The direction that the runner is pulled down is irrelevant.
86
CONTACT WITH SLIDING PLAYER WHO IS GIVING HIMSELF UP
Second-and-10 on A30. QB A1 scrambles to the A35 where he slides feet first after B1 has already committed
himself to making contact. As A1 is going to the ground to give himself up: (a) B1 makes contact with the side of his
helmet to A1’s chest; or (b) B1 makes contact to A1’s head with his helmet, shoulder or forearm.
Rulings:
(a) Third-and-5 on A35. No foul.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on 50. A sliding player (feet first or not), cannot be hit in the head by the defender’s helmet,
shoulder or forearm, even if the slide begins after contact is imminent.
Note: The ball is spotted where it was when the runner’s first body part, other than a hand or foot, touches the
ground.
87
PLAYER INTENTIONALLY SLIDING OR DIVING TO GROUND IN ATTEMPT TO GAIN YARDAGE
Third-and 10 on A20. QB A1 scrambles to the A27 where he is confronted by converging B players, so he dives for
the first down. The ball is at the A29 when A1’s knee hits the ground, but A1 continues to slide on the ground,
untouched by Team B, until the ball reaches the A31.
Ruling: Fourth-and-1 on A29. Even though a player may be attempting to gain additional yardage when he dives
forward, he is intentionally going to the ground and therefore considered to be giving himself up. He is therefore
down when a body part other than a hand or foot touches the ground. The ball is spotted where it was when the first
body part contacted the ground.
88
PLAYER WHO IS INTENTIONALLY GOING TO GROUND—CONTACT BY DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Third-and-5 on B45. QB A1 scrambles, and at the B43, dives in an effort to make the first down. B1 has already
committed himself to tackle A1 when A1 starts to dive. B1 contacts A1 in the helmet with the forearm while A1 is still
in the air. A1’s knee then first hits the ground while the ball is at the B44.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B29. Personal foul by B1, hitting a defenseless player. A player who is intentionally
going to the ground is a defenseless player, and the opponent must make reasonable efforts to avoid hitting him,
and under no circumstances can he hit him in the head with his head, shoulder or foreman, nor can he hit him
anywhere in the body with the crown of his helmet.
89
THROWING HELMET—NOT DIRECTED AT OPPONENT OR OFFICIAL
Third-and-3 on B40. B3 is unhappy with the Line Judge because he thinks he was held as A3 ran a sweep around
end and was finally downed at the B35. B3 argues with the Line Judge and then throws his helmet down in disgust
as he is walking back toward his bench.
Ruling: First-and-10 on B20. Unsportsmanlike conduct. B3 is not disqualified for this action and it does not count
toward disqualification because his action was not directed toward an opponent or an official. If he had thrown his
helmet down in the vicinity of an opponent or an official, the foul would count toward disqualification. In either case,
this is a foul between downs.
90
THROWING HELMET—PERSONAL FOUL—DISQUALIFICATION
Third-and-10 on B40. A2 does not like the way he was tackled by B4 at the B32, so he throws his helmet at B4.
Ruling: Fourth-and-17 on B47. Personal foul by A2 plus an automatic disqualification for throwing his helmet at
opponent.
91
TAUNTING—BY RUNNER PRIOR TO SCORE
Second-and-10 on A20. A1 breaks free and is running for a touchdown ahead of all Team B players by 10 yards.
When A1 gets to the B15, he turns around and holds the ball out at the trailing Team B players as A1 continues
backward into the end zone.
Ruling: Touchdown Team A, and Team B has the option to enforce the taunting foul on the Try or the kickoff.
Taunting fouls, whether during the play or after the dead ball, are treated as dead ball fouls. Two violations of 12-3-
1 (a) through (c) in the same game results in an automatic disqualification.
92
REMOVING HELMET DURING PLAY
Third-and-10 on B20. With Team B ahead and the ball snapped with three seconds remaining in the game, B1
believes he has sacked QB A1 at the B35. Thinking the game is over, B1 takes his helmet off to celebrate in front of
the Referee. The pass was complete to A2 who was tackled at the B10. Time expired during the play.
Ruling: Game over. Removing a helmet is treated as a dead ball foul. If the score had been tied, or this was the end
of the first half, the unsportsmanlike-conduct foul would be enforced against Team B on the kickoff to start overtime
or the second half. (12-3-1-Penalty Enforcement) This foul does not count toward a potential disqualification.
93
TAUNTING—KICKOFF
On the opening kickoff, receiver B1 catches the ball deep in the end zone and downs the ball. A3, A4 and A5 encircle
B1 and use taunting acts (pointing and dancing) and abusive language.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B40. Taunting. These are unsportsmanlike conduct fouls against A3, A4, and A5
that count toward disqualification for each of them, although only one of them is enforced. Two violations of 12-3-1
(a) through (c) in the game results in an automatic disqualification.
94
THROWING PUNCH/KICK WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT
Third-and-10 on B25. Runner A2 is tackled by B3 at the B16 and thinks B3 grabbed his facemask. A2 jumps up and:
(a) swings at B3’s head, but misses; or (b) kicks at his leg without making contact.
Rulings: (a) and (b) Fourth-and-16 on B31 Since there was no contact, this is unsportsmanlike conduct (12-3-1-a),
not unnecessary roughness. This unsportsmanlike conduct foul against by A2 counts toward disqualification. Two
violations of 12-3-1 (a) through (c) in the game results in an automatic disqualification.
95
TAUNTING/UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT—GESTURES
Second-and-15 on A20. Quarterback A1 is sacked on the A15 by B1. After the tackle, B1 does “six-shooters” or
gives a “throat-slash” signal directed at: (a) A1; or (b) no one in particular.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A30 (taunting). Two violations of 12-3-1 (a) through (c) in the game by the same player
would result in his disqualification.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A30 (unsportsmanlike conduct). The use of any act that depicts violence or use of a
weapon is always unsportsmanlike conduct. Since this foul is not directed at a player, official, or team personnel,
it is not of the type that could lead to disqualification for a second such foul.
96
FIELD GOAL FORMATION—LEVERAGE—JUMPING BETWEEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Fourth-and-6 on B22. During a field-goal attempt, B2 places one hand on the snapper and one on the right guard
and pushes off to jump thru the gap between the guard and center. He lands in the offensive backfield and then
jumps up in an attempt to block the kick. (a) B2 blocks the kick and recovers it at the B30, or (b) the holder sees B2
and realizes the kick will be blocked, so he scrambles with the ball to the B20.
Rulings:
(a) First-and-10 on B11. Leverage. If the field goal had been successful, A would also have the option of accepting
the points and kicking off from the 50.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-goal on B10. Because this was an apparent field goal attempt, it is a foul for leverage. There
does not have to be a kick for leaping and leverage fouls to be called. Here, it is enforced from the dead ball
spot as a foul on a running play.
97
FIELD GOAL FORMATION—LEVERAGE—ATTEMPT TO GAIN HEIGHT
Fourth-and-10 on B25. During an unsuccessful field-goal attempt from the B33 that goes out of the end zone, B2:
(a) steps with a foot or knee on the back of A5 as he tries to rush the kicker, but B2 does not reach up with a hand
to attempt to block the kick; or (b) while B2 has his foot/knee on A5’s back and is rushing the kicker, B2 also raises
a hand up to try and block the kick.
Rulings: (a) and (b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B12½. Leverage. It is illegal for a defensive player to jump or step on a
Team B player in an effort to block a kick or apparent kick, even without extending a hand.
98
LEVERAGE OR LEAPING—PUNT/FIELD GOAL/TRY—NO KICK
Fourth-and-10 on B40. With Team A in a scrimmage kick formation at the snap (for a FG, Try, or Punt), B2 commits
any act that would be considered leverage or leaping. Punter/Holder/Kicker A2, (a) muffs the snap and falls on the
ball at the B45, (b) stands up and throws an incomplete pass, (c) rolls to his right where he is tackled at the B35, or
(d) stands up and completes a pass to A7, who is tackled at the B32.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. The 15-yard penalty is enforced from the previous spot.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. The 15-yard penalty is enforced from the previous spot.
(c) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. The 15-yard penalty is enforced from dead ball spot as a foul on a running play.
(d) A’s ball, First-and-10 on B17. The 15-yard penalty is enforced from the dead ball spot as a foul on a passing
play.
Note: There does not need to be a kick for a leverage or leaping foul, as long as the requirements of the foul are
met, and Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation at the snap
99
LEAPING—UNSUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL—PLAYER ON / OFF LINE
Fourth-and-5 on B20. Team A’s field-goal attempt from the B28 fails. Defensive player B1 lines up: (a) four yards
from the line of scrimmage; or (b) more than one yard behind the defensive line, but with his foot parallel to the back
foot of a down linemen on the line of scrimmage. He runs forward, leaps in an attempt to block the kick, and crosses
the line of scrimmage or lands on a member of the kicking team or his teammate.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-goal on B10. Unsportsmanlike conduct, Leaping.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-goal on B10. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Leaping. A player who is more than one yard off the
line of scrimmage is prohibited from leaping in an attempt to block a kick or apparent kick, regardless of the
location of his feet relative to other defenders on the line of scrimmage. The leaping is illegal if he crosses the
line of scrimmage or lands on another player.
Note: There does not need to be a kick for a leverage or leaping foul, as long as the requirements of the foul are
met, and Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation at the snap.
100
LEAPING—TRY—DEFENSIVE PLAYER JUMPS OVER DOWN LINEMEN
On a Try from the B15, defensive player B1 runs forward four yards and jumps over the center (or through a gap) in
an attempt to block the kick, and he (a) blocks the kick which rolls out of bounds at the B14, or (b) misses the ball
and the kick is good.
Rulings:
(a) Re-Try B7½ by kick or attempt a two-point attempt from the B1. Team A can also decline the re-Try, and choose
to kickoff from the 50.
(b) Try is good, kickoff 50; or attempt a two-point attempt from the B1. It is illegal for a defensive player who was
not lined up and stationary on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap to jump over linemen or thru a gap in an
attempt to block a Try or field goal.
101
NO SUBSTITUTION - OFFENSIVE PLAYER NEAR SIDELINE—NOT IN BENCH AREA
Third-and-15 on B20. Team A breaks the huddle with 11 players on the field, but they act as though they have 12
men on the field. QB A1 excitedly motions A11 to get off the field quickly. A11 runs off towards his bench pretending
to leave the game, however, he stops one yard from the sideline in the backfield at the B21. No defensive player
covers him. The ball is snapped and A11 catches a pass for a touchdown. Team A did not substitute on the play.
Ruling: Touchdown A, kickoff A35. If Team A did not substitute on the play, and at the snap Team A players are in
legal positions, including A11 lined up outside his team’s bench area, this action is not a foul.
102
SUBSTITION TO DECEIVE—OFFENSIVE PLAYER NEAR SIDELINE—NOT IN BENCH AREA
Fourth-and-10 on B25. After the prior play, the offense runs off the field, and the apparent field-goal team, including
the kicker, run on. As they approach the line of scrimmage (after all 11 kicking team players had moved inside the
numbers) to set in a field-goal formation, kicker A1 suddenly starts waving at A88 to get off the field, yelling that he’s
not supposed to be out there. A88 quickly runs off, but he stops short of the sideline and gets set on the line of
scrimmage, where he is uncovered by the defense. The ball is snapped to A1 who throws a touchdown pass to A88.
Ruling: Fourth-and-25 on B40. Unsportsmanlike conduct. This is a foul at the snap and enforced as a live-ball foul.
Any time a team uses a substitution or apparent substitution in an attempt to confuse the opponent, it is a foul for
unsportsmanlike conduct. This is a foul inside or outside the bench area, and whether or not A88 is covered.
However, if Team A had not substituted, this would be legal, because A88 was not lined up in his bench area. There
is no foul if either team calls a timeout
103
HIDEOUT—IN BENCH AREA
Third-and-6 on B45. Split receiver A2, who was in on the previous play, lines up in front of his bench area at the B45,
two yards from the sideline in an attempt to be on the field unnoticed. Team A snaps the ball and throws a quick
pass to A2 who runs for a touchdown, as no defensive player saw him in front of the bench area. Team A did not
substitute on the play.
Ruling: Third-and-21 on A40. Illegal hideout because A2 lined up inside his team’s bench area. This is a foul at the
snap and enforced as a live-ball foul. This is a foul whether or not A2 is covered. It doesn’t matter whether Team A
substituted on the play because substitution is not an element of this foul. The spot where A2 lines up determines
whether this action is illegal, not the spot from where the ball is snapped. There is no foul if either team calls a
timeout.
104
GOALTENDING
Fourth-and-10 on B30. On an attempted field goal by A2 from the B38, B3 stands under the goal post and jumps
above the crossbar and deflects (or catches) the kick so that it does not cross the crossbar. The attempt would have
been successful.
Ruling: Option for Team A: Three points awarded to Team A and Kickoff A35; or first-and-10 on B15. Palpably unfair
act. (12-3-1-t)
Note: If the field goal had been successful despite B3’s action, it is still a foul if B3 touched the ball; the field goal
would count, and A would kick off from the 50, or Team A could elect to take the points off the board, and it would
be A 1-10-B15. If there was no contact with the ball, it is not a foul.
105
PLAYER REMOVING HIS HELMET
Third-and-10 on B20. A2 runs for a touchdown, and after scoring, removes his helmet: (a) in the end zone and turns
to the crowd and glares; or (b) in the end zone, however he makes no unusual expressions and simply jogs back to
his bench carrying his helmet.
Rulings:
(a) and (b): Touchdown. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Both Team A and B have the option of enforcing fouls by their
opponent on the Try or kickoff. Players are not allowed to remove their helmets on the field except in the situations
designated in the Rulebook. The actions taken by the player after removing his helmet are irrelevant in determining
whether the action is a foul.
106
PLAYER REMOVING HIS HELMET—TEAM A OR B
Third-and-10 on B20. A2 runs and is tackled by B2 at the B15. (a) A2 then gets up off the ground and removes his
helmet as he walks back to the huddle; or (b) B2 removes his helmet after getting up off the tackle.
Rulings:
(a) Fourth-and-20 on B30. Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
(b) First-and-goal on B7½. Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
107
PLAYER REMOVING HIS HELMET—FOUL BY OPPONENT
Second-and-10 on A40. Back A2 runs to the A49 where he is tackled by the facemask by B1. After being tackled,
A2 jumps up off the ground and immediately removes his helmet and glares at B1.
Ruling: Second-and-10 on A40. Replay the down because of the double fouls for facemask and unsportsmanlike
conduct. If the contact by B1 had significantly altered the position of A2’s helmet, he would be able to remove and
adjust it without a foul.
108
PLAYER FROM BENCH AREA REMOVING HIS HELMET
After a touchdown, a player from the bench comes on the field to congratulate his teammate in the end zone. Upon
entering the field, the player takes his helmet off to celebrate with his teammates in the end zone, and he then (a)
stays in the game for the Try after putting his helmet back on, or (b) leaves the field and does not participate in the Try.
Rulings:
(a) and (b). Touchdown. Kickoff A35. No foul. It is a foul if a coach, team staff member, or player who is not in
uniform, enters the playing field. But this player is in uniform, so the action is legal.
109
FOUL AGAINST OFFICIAL—PHYSICAL CONTACT
Fourth-and-10 on 50. Punter A1 muffs the snap and is downed at the A35. B2 clips A2 after the play has ended
(dead-ball foul). Upset that a foul was called, B2 pushes the Field Judge.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-25 on B35. Disqualify B2. This is not a multiple foul, because all fouls against officials are
enforced as fouls between downs. Both fouls are therefore enforced, though Team B will have the ball, because
both fouls occurred during the dead ball period.
110
FOUL AGAINST OFFICIAL—PHYSICAL CONTACT
Fourth-and-2 on B35. A1 runs to the B34 where he is tackled. Immediately after he is tackled, A1 jumps up and yells
at the Line Judge arguing that he was tackled by the facemask. In the process, he bumps the official.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B49. Disqualify A1. All fouls against officials are enforced, and they are enforced as
fouls between downs.
111
FOUL AGAINST OFFICIAL—VERBAL ABUSE
Second-and-2 on B25. A1 runs to the B20 where he is tackled by the facemask. A1 jumps up and yells at the Umpire,
because he didn’t think the foul had been called (although it had).
Ruling: First-and-goal on B25. Both fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct and facemask, are enforced, and the foul
against the official is treated as a foul between downs, thus resulting in first-and-goal. Two violations of 12-3-1 (a)
through (c) in the same game results in an automatic disqualification.
112
LAST PLAY OF HALF—FOUL AGAINST OFFICIAL
Third-and-10 on B45. A1 passes to A2 at the B10 where B2 is guarding him closely. The Side Judge calls offensive
pass interference. When B2 sees the flag, he thinks the foul was called on him, and he kicks the flag, or throws his
helmet down, clearly to dispute the call. Time in the first half expires on the play.
Ruling: Half over. Fifteen-yard penalty enforced against Team B on the second-half kickoff. The offensive foul on
the last play of the half results in the end of the half. The foul against the official is treated as a foul between downs.
It therefore does not offset the pass interference, and it is enforced on the second half kickoff. B2 is not disqualified
because he did not contact the official and did not throw his helmet at the official. However, a second violation of 12-
3-1 (a) through (c) in the same game would result in an automatic disqualification.
113
THROWING BALL AT OFFICIAL
First-and-Ten on B12. Back A2 takes a handoff from QBA1 and runs for a touchdown, after which, he spikes the ball
in the end zone away from players. B7 becomes upset because he felt the ball was spiked near him, and there was
no flag thrown. B7 picks up the ball and deliberately throws it at the Field Judge: (a) hitting the Field Judge; or (b)
missing him with the ball.
Rulings: (a) and (b) Touchdown Team A, and they have the option to enforce the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty
on the Try or the ensuing kickoff. Disqualify B7. The player is disqualified whether or not the ball hits the official.
114
TIMEOUT ON FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPT—ATTEMPTING TO FREEZE KICKER
Fourth-and-10 on B22. When Team A breaks the huddle to attempt a field goal, B1 calls a timeout. After the timeout,
B2 then attempts to call another timeout to freeze the kicker. The officials ignore the second request, and: (a) the
field goal is good; or (b) the attempt fails.
Rulings:
(a) Option: Field goal good. Kickoff 50 or A’s ball, first-and-10 on B11 (take the points off the board).
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B11. The officials properly ignored the second request and did not stop the game. The
unsportsmanlike penalty is deemed to occur on the play as a live ball foul. (Same ruling on a Try attempt).
Note: If the officials mistakenly grant the request, the 15-yard penalty is enforced as a dead ball foul.
115
FOUL DURING HALFTIME OR OVERTIME INTERMISSION
As the teams are walking to the locker room at the end of the first half, or while awaiting the overtime coin toss, A1:
(a) punches; or (b) taunts B1.
Rulings: (a) and (b): The 15-yard penalty will be assessed against Team A on the succeeding kickoff. A1 would also
be disqualified for the punch. The taunt is a violation of 12-3-1 (a) through (c), and two such penalties in the same
game results in an automatic disqualification.
116
ILLEGAL BAT—BACKWARD PASS—FORWARD BAT—TEAM A
Third-and-4 on A40. Quarterback A1 pitches the ball backward to running back A2 at the A35. A2 bats the ball in
flight out of bounds at the A43.
Ruling: Fourth-and-14 on A30. Illegally batting (or kicking) the ball by the offense on a scrimmage play, (other than
a scrimmage kick beyond the line), is a 10-yard penalty and a loss of down. Since this foul occurred behind the line,
the enforcement spot is the previous spot. If this foul occurred inside two minutes of either half, there would also be
an option to run 10 seconds off the game clock.
117
TWO-POINT TRY ATTEMPT—BACKWARD PASS——ILLEGAL BAT—TEAM A
On a two-point Try from the B2, quarterback A1 pitches the ball backward toward back A2. A2 bats the ball in flight
into the end zone where A3 falls on the ball.
Ruling: Try fails, Kickoff A35. The penalty for an illegal bat in this situation includes a loss of down, so the Try fails
and the penalty yardage is not enforced on the kickoff. (12-5-1-c)
118
ILLEGAL BAT—CONTROLLED PASS THROWN FORWARD
Second-and-6 on B40. End A3 leaps in the air to catch a pass and controls the ball at the B35. While in the air, he
flips the ball forward to A4, and: (a) A4 runs for a touchdown; or (b) A4 muffs the ball and it hits the ground.
Rulings: (a) and (b): Third-and-16 on 50. A controlled pass in flight can only be thrown backward; this is an illegal
bat. Enforcement is from the previous spot with a loss of down. (12-5-1-c-Note)
119
ILLEGAL BAT—BLOCKED PUNT—TEAM B
Fourth and-12 on A14. The punt is blocked and the ball rolls to the A4 where B2 bats the ball (giving it new impetus).
The ball rolls over the end line.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on A24. Since the punted ball did not go beyond the line of scrimmage, this is not a
post-possession foul, and the illegal bat is enforced from the previous spot with an automatic first down. The result
of the play is a touchback because Team B’s impetus put the ball through the end zone, but enforcement of the
penalty is more advantageous for Team A.
120
ILLEGAL BAT—PUNT—BALL HITS TEAM B PLAYER
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1 bats the rolling kick at the B14 into B5 who is at the B12. The ball rebounds off B5 and
goes into B’s end zone where it is recovered by A3.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B30, or A’s ball fourth-and-20 on A30. The illegal bat results in a touchback. If the
previous spot enforcement option is selected, there is no loss of down, because this occurs beyond the line of
scrimmage during a scrimmage kick.
Note: The illegal bat can be enforced from the previous spot or the dead-ball spot, but since B5 is not deemed to
have touched the ball, the result of the play is a touchback when the ball hits in the end zone untouched by Team B.
Batting the ball creates a new impetus, so although it makes no difference on this play, the impetus that put the ball
in the end zone is the bat, not the kick.
121
ILLEGAL BAT—END ZONE
Fourth-and-10 on A2. Runner A1 fumbles at the A1. The ball goes into the Team A end zone where A2 bats it out of
bounds: (a) in the end zone; (b) on the two-yard line; or (c) to A3 who recovers the ball in the end zone.
Rulings: Safety in (a), (b), and (c). Safety kick A20. In (b), Team B can decline the penalty and take the result of the
play, B’s ball first-and-goal on A1. A player may not bat a loose ball (other than a pass in flight) in any direction in
the end zone. This is a foul even if the player is attempting to keep the ball in bounds. There is no option to enforce
the foul from the previous spot.
122
LEGAL/ILLEGAL BAT—BACKWARD PASS—END ZONE INVOLVEMENT
First-and-10 on A2. Quarterback A1 throws a backward pass to A3 in the end zone, and: (a) B1, while in the end
zone, bats the backward pass while in flight over the end line; or (b) B1, while in the end zone, bats the grounded
backward pass after A3 muffs the pass. The ball goes out of bounds at the A4.
Rulings:
(a) Safety. Safety kick A20. Legal bat.
(b) A’s ball, first-and-10 on A12. Illegal bat.
123
LEGAL BAT—PASS IN END ZONE
Second-and-goal on B6. Runner A1 runs to his right and passes the ball forward from the B7 to A2 in the end zone.
A2 bats the ball forward to A3 who catches the ball in the end zone.
Ruling: Touchdown Team A. Kickoff A35. A forward pass in flight may be batted, tipped, or deflected in any direction
by any eligible player at any time.
124
BAT TO PREVENT BALL FROM GOING OUT OF BOUNDS
Second-and-10 on B45. A1 runs to the B40 where he fumbles near the sideline. The ball is about to go out of bounds
when B1 bats the ball toward the field of play, and B2 eventually recovers at the B35. B1 batted the ball: (a) toward
Team A’s goal line; or (b) toward his own goal line.
Rulings:
(a) A’s ball, first-and-10 on B30. This is an illegal bat, and the 10-yard penalty is enforced from the spot of the
fumble.
(b) B’s ball, first-and-10 on B35. The bat was backward so it was legal.
125
ILLEGAL KICKING OF BALL IN POSSESSION
Third-and-6 on B41. Quarterback A1 hands off to back A2 who runs to the B36. As he is being tackled, A2 stretches
his arms out with the ball extending out over the B35. Prior to being down by contact, B2 kicks the ball out of A2’s
hands and falls on the ball.
Ruling: A’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. No player may deliberately kick any loose ball or a ball in player possession.
126
FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPT—BEYOND LINE
Fourth-and-3 on B25. Field-goal kicker A1 runs to the B23 and drop-kicks the ball over the crossbar.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B20. Touchback. Decline the penalty, which would be enforced from the spot of the
foul, and the down would be replayed, since the drop kick occurred beyond the line of scrimmage. A drop kick, place
kick, or punt from beyond the line of scrimmage is not illegally kicking the ball and therefore does not include a loss
of down
127
ILLEGAL KICKING AFTER CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Third-and-2 on A45. B1 intercepts a pass on the B15, runs to the A35, fumbles, and then kicks the ball out of bounds
at the A5 to prevent A2 from recovering.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A45. The foul is enforced from the spot of the fumble as a foul during a backward
pass or fumble. There is not a loss of down, because this occurred after a change of possession.
128
ILLEGAL KICKING—LOOSE BALL (BACKWARD PASS)—BEHIND LINE
Fourth-and-10 on A40. The snap from center is muffed, and punter A1 never controls the ball. A1 then kicks the ball
while it is on the ground at the A30, and the ball rolls to the B48 where A3 falls on it.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on A30. Enforce from the previous spot with a loss of down.
129
ILLEGAL KICKING - PUNT BEYOND LINE
Fourth-and-10 on A40. A1’s punt is short and is rolling untouched at the B45. Running downfield, A1 kicks the rolling
ball out of frustration, and it goes out of bounds at the B20..
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B45, or A fourth-and-20 on A30. This is a foul during a scrimmage kick, so Team
B’s options are to add the penalty to the end of the play, enforce it from the previous spot, or take the ball at the first
touch spot. If the penalty is accepted, there is no loss of down, because this is illegal kicking beyond the line during
a scrimmage kick.
130
ILLEGAL KICKING—FOURTH-DOWN FUMBLE—BEHIND LINE
Fourth-and-5 on B15. On a field-goal attempt, the snap is caught by A2 at the B23, but A2 fumbles the ball before
A1 can kick the field goal. While the ball is loose on the ground, the kicker kicks the ball to prevent B2 from recovering
it. The ball goes out of bounds at the B11.
Ruling: B’s ball, first-and-10 on B25. This is illegal kicking of a loose ball, which is enforced from the previous spot
with a loss of down.
131
ACCIDENTAL KICKING OF LOOSE BALL
Fourth-and-12 on A14. The punt is partially blocked and the ball rolls to the A6. B1 tries to pick it up there but
accidentally kicks it into the end zone where B3 falls on it.
Ruling: Touchdown Team B. Kickoff B35. Only the deliberate kicking of a loose ball is a foul. Accidental kicking or
batting does not create a new impetus.
