On my local exam there is the following question, "either Team A or Team B may legally interfere with an opponent behind the neutral zone." Isn't that blocking and tackling or am I studying too hard?

THanks

grantsrc - I quoted your PI Considerations
 

Thanks again. You people are really helpful to a new official like me. I don't now where you find the time!

Pass interference applies only beyond the neutral zone. You may have other fouls committed for contact with an opponent in or behind the neutral zone, such as holding or illegal use of hands, but it can't be pass interference.

Did I miss something?

If so I did too...

I would guess that RedCisc used some information off of grantsrc's web site to argue this question and was just expressing his gratitude.

It would be completely legal to legally take out the pitch man on a backward pass behind the neutral zone correct? (or at least lock him up so that he can't control the pitch)

Sohl,

To take out the pitch man it better be just a good block that does it. Any tackling of the pitch man is illegal as it is considered defensive holding. The only players that can be tackled are the ball carrier and a player faking as the ball carrier.

Same idea on a screen pass, you could go block the receiver before the ball came but could not tackle him.

told to watch 4 this
 

In fact as new officials, we have been instructed in our clinics to watch for this. Many teams in our area are running West Coast style offenses and the defensive coaches are teaching players to try to take out the backs on the end without getting caught.