Offensive line punching

[bohemianoyster]

I am an offensive lineman.

If in pass protection I punch (not grab or hold) my opponents facemask/helmet to slow the bull rush, is that illegal?

I would do the punch at the initial move and then drive them.

[bohemianoyster]

bump?

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by bohemianoyster

I am an offensive lineman.

If in pass protection I punch (not grab or hold) my opponents facemask/helmet to slow the bull rush, is that illegal?

I would do the punch at the initial move and then drive them.

It's at least illegal use of hands. Depending on the rules code you play under, it may also be a personal foul.

[Sturno]

1 - The term you are looking for is bump, shove, or push.

2 - Blocking with open hand technique should eliminate you from any issues.

Hoping an official could gauge intent to a degree with what you are doing....but this is how the letter of the rule(s) are stated, so keep that in mind.


SECTION 4 ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT

ART. 3 . . . No player or non-player shall:

g. Make any other contact with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary
and which incites roughness.

j. Strike an opponent with his fist, locked hands, forearm or elbow, nor kick
or knee him.

[bohemianoyster]

thank you

and by punch i meant the open hand punch that is typically used

[IAUMP]

While I would have to see it to be sure, I can vision this as being similar to a head slap by a D lineman. The head slap is illegal, as it is normally considered to be a personal foul as stated above.

[SWFLguy]

Been a while since I officiated football, but unless the rules have changed, blocking has to be within the framework of the defensive player. I'd say the face mask/head is not within the framework.

[HLin NC]

Illegal use of hands at a minimum, potential personal foul if severe.

Contact to/with the head is going out of football.