NFHS - TE/DE Block Below the Waist -Keys/communication

[WhistleMeister]

Double tight end formation. TE/DE are outside the FBZ.

My understanding, LJ/HL have this key and would be responsible for making the call on a block below the waist by the defense or offense.

My question, how do you communicate between the R and LJ/HL to indicate the TE/DE are outside the FBZ or inside the FBZ? HL/LJ may not be able to ascertain if the pair's location reference the FBZ

I worked a game where the TE/DE were moving in/out depending on the play.

[HLin NC]

There is none. 5 man mechanics, whichever wing has the TE, it his call.
Err on the side of he's in the zone unless he is obviously not.

[jTheUmp]

This is where O2O (radios) is an invaluable tool for officials.

H/L: Is TE in blocking zone
R/U: No
H/L: sees low block, throws flag



Alternatively (and this can work without O2O if your local area doesn't allow them):

H/L: sees low block, throws flag
* down ends *
H/L: reports foul to R and U.
R/U: That TE was in the blocking zone, so we need to pick up the flag
H/L: picks up flag.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

This is where O2O (radios) is an invaluable tool for officials.

Alternatively (and this can work without O2O if your local area doesn't allow them):

H/L: sees low block, throws flag
* down ends *
H/L: reports foul to R and U.
R/U: That TE was in the blocking zone, so we need to pick up the flag
H/L: picks up flag.

Seems to have worked pretty well when a wing or deep official observes an eligible receiver in the proximity of an incomplete legal forward pass deemed to have been intentionally in-completed. Simply adds relevant information to the penalty decision.