Rule change
7-5-11 "Contact by a defender obviously away from the direction of the pass is NOT considered pass interference"
Part I test question:
#2 Pass interference can NOT occur when the pass is clearly thrown away from the spot of the potential foul.
Answer = C

Seems that the rule book & case book are referring to defensive pass interfernce. Is anyone going to continue to call pass interference on A1 if the pass is not thrown in A1 direction? Seems to me that I could get real creative with my offense if I design some pass plays to free up a receiver and if I got caught it was just going to cost me 10yd vs 15yd and loss of down.

Does the new rule apply to offensive and defensive pass interference?

The rule specifically states "contact by B".

In your scenario, A's actions would still be OPI and that penalty is a whopper.

Restrictions on A begin at the snap. If they're blocking downfield and a pass is thrown it's OPI.

Are you gonna throw it?

I'm not, as far as I'm concerned pass interfernce should be enforced the exact same way it was last year. I would not have called DPI away from the pass anyways.

Yes!

It's quite possible to have OPI away from the ball but that is a judgment call. My question would be, "Where is the ball and when was the foul?" If the ball goes to the other side of the field but the foul by A (pushing off, e.g.) occurs before the ball is thrown to either side, then there is a good case for throwing the flag.

As Waltjp said, keep in mind that restrictions for A begin at the snap.

While we know where you are going with your statement, remember that a offensive receiver blocking downfield in the middle of the field could have a significant effect on the play on a catch thereafter made by A80 on the right or left side of the field. That is a time when you would have to get a flag on the ground cuz it would have an impact on the play.

I'm V BJ for the first time this coming Friday and will flag OPI (when I see it actually occur) until my WH tells me to let it go. I'm not too proud to have a flag waved off and would rather have that happen then to not make a call which should have been.

WM

Canadian Ruling
 

No


The first question we ask ourselves when calling PI is whether or not the ball was catchable to the reciever/defender in question. If it wasn't, then we don't have PI.

If your R is watching what you're calling downfield who's watching the QB?

I would think you could have offensive holding instead if you feel that OPI isn't warrented.

I don't think holding is an option. Pass interference is defined as interfering with an eligible opponent's opportunity to move toward, catch or bat the pass. (7-5-10) Holding by A is definately interfering with B's opportunity to move toward the pass.

Re: Canadian Ruling
 

Hmm.... not entirely. This particular PI will not be called, but PI could be called (and applied!) even if the ball is not catchable. An PI calling official may not know if the ball is uncatchable sometimes.

I would if the pass was to the side of the PI, if not I would not. First off if the player pushed off before the pass I would not throw a flag because if the QB never throws the pass then it is not OPI. If the QB does not throw the ball to him then what advantage did the offensive player gain (if the pass went to the opposite side of the field). Now if the player pushes off say 10 yards downfield and then a receiver catches a pass 5 or 10 yards downfield I would have a pick play and then OPI and a flag as soon as the pass is thrown.

Good point on R if I'm way down field. But between him and the experience of the others, I have no doubt they'll assist as able since this'll be my first VBJ assignment. On the upside, they don't hand out V assignments unless they feel you're up to the task.

WM

Throwing the OPI flag requires some timing. As you are watching your keys if one throws a block you can rest assured you have a running play, or, at least, a screen pass. In fact, when I was a wing my attention went to covering the run exclusively. Then once the ball is thrown forward you toss the flag.

You are going to get some mouth from the offensive coach because the foul is delayed until the ball is thrown.

If the ball does not cross the neutral zone, you simply pick up the flag because there would not be an OPI.

The new rule addresses "contact by a defender".

If I have a pick play (block or hold) on one side, a receiver runs accross the middle and catches a pass on the opposite side. That is OPI!!

Yes, but if A1 (on the left sideline) pushes B1, and the pass goes to A2 (who is at the right sideline), I'm not calling anything.