REPLY: Even though the Fed and NCAA rules are interpreted identically, the NCAA does a better job in defining when it's "hands off" for the defender. They say:
"Defensive players may ward off or legally block an eligible pass receiver until that player occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent could not possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal."
I think the pertinent point was that if a receiver is contacted once he is no longer a potential blocker, you have a
potential illegal use of the hands or holding call. But you don't immediately throw the flag. You need to read the play to determine if the contact is relevant. That is, was the play developing in a manner such that contact against this receiver might affect it. So for example, if the contact was against a WR on the right side of the formation and the play was a sweep to the left, leave the flag in your pocket. But if it was indeed relevant (e.g. QB is rolling out to the right looking toward your receiver) you then need to assess whether or not the contact was material enough to throw a flag. Did it put the receiver at a disadvantage? Or did it give the defender an unfair advantage? Only when you make these two determinations do you reach for the hankie. Obviously, if the contact was a personal foul, that call is immediate.
For those of you who get the National Federation Officials' Quarterly newsletter, you probably received it in the last day or two...or will soon receive it. There's a good article on this on page 4. I know the author very well. He recommends it highly.
