Ed Hickland NFHS Rules. Coach tells me his understanding is a defender can bump and run a potential receiver until the ball is in the air. We respond a defender cannot bump a potential receiver off his route. What is the interpretation of the rule?
waltjp B may ward off a potential blocker. It's interpreted to mean that once a receiver gains the same yard line as the defender the receiver is no longer a threat to block and can not be contacted by the defender.
LDUB waltjp wroteB may ward off a potential blocker. It's interpreted to mean that once a receiver gains the same yard line as the defender the receiver is no longer a threat to block and can not be contacted by the defender. Also if A is moving away from B then B cannot block A as A is not a potential blocker. You can still have a foul for illegal use of hands even if A never gets even/past B.
Ed Hickland So, if A is running his route and not approaching B then B cannot move toward A and contact him?
waltjp Ed Hickland wroteSo, if A is running his route and not approaching B then B cannot move toward A and contact him? Correct.