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I also work semi-pro games using NFL rules. Mike has correctly pointed to the rule reference covering the original question. I would like to add clarification to legal and illegal contact. Snake-eyes alluded to this earlier. A defensive player may chuck an eligible receiver who is in front of him within five yards of the line of scrimmage. This legal contact would then make the receiver ineligble per 8-1-3. On the other hand, if the receiver is more than five yards from the line of scrimmage, the chuck would be a foul for illegal contact per the exception to article 3. However, there is another exception. As MJT touched on, if the quarterback or receiver of the snap hands off, is tackled, pitches to a back or leaves the pocket area, the restrictions on the defenders end provided the ball is not in the air.
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