Quote:
Originally posted by mikesears
Quote:
Originally posted by Tom Cook
We had a very good answer to this very question at our meeting last night from a Big Ten Umpire.
Watch the disengagement. If A has his hands on B's chest, it doesn't matter whether his hands are open or closed as long as he has "superior legs". Meaning that he has and maintains position between the defender and the ball. When (if) B beats the block A has to let him go. Holds result when A holds after K has gotten his shoulders past the block. If A maintains his position and B never gets past him, forget the hands, there is no hold. The key is whether A lets go when he is beaten, so watch for "takedowns and jersey stretchings" during and after the disengagement.
Anybody else agree with that?
[Edited by Tom Cook on Aug 22nd, 2002 at 07:45 PM]
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In a recent clinic, we were taught to "reward good technique" just as you say and I fully agree. If B doesn't do anything to beat the block, we won't flag it. I think this is more in line with the spirit of the rule.
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Think about it, if A lineman has legs strong enough to push B back has A really gained an unfair advantage -- is strength an unfair advantage? Do we penalize A for spending more time in the weight room than B?
My rule for calling a hold is 1) a takedown, and 2) "nylon-stretching." A hold in close line play "only" occurs when B is beating A and A uses hand or whatever to impede B.