Illegal Blocks "in the back"

[Forksref]

Not understanding the components of an IBB is not a regionalism.

I like the way you explain it by the way the blockee falls to the side. Also, I like to say that the back is the back, it is NOT the shoulder or arm and the IBB must COME from the back, not the side.

When you are down in a 41-7 game, everything looks bad!

[Texas Aggie]

Does anyone else live in an area where coaches don't understand what constitutes an IBB?

You're joking, right? Everyone lives in such an area.

Seriously, its funny, though. Last year, I heard about every phantom BIB that didn't happen. This year, I don't think I've heard much about them -- fewer than 5 times the whole season (~30 games).

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

You're joking, right? Everyone lives in such an area.

Seriously, its funny, though. Last year, I heard about every phantom BIB that didn't happen. This year, I don't think I've heard much about them -- fewer than 5 times the whole season (~30 games).

When I'm trailing a play, I see such a block and know, KNOW that some coach is going to start screaming for an IBB. I'm rarely "disappointed."

I didn't think it was just me, but it's always entertaining to hear from others.

[RoyGardner]

Try what out training instructor does when he is teaching BIB to new recruits. He draws a simple rectangle and asks them to describe the 4 sides of the rectangle. We usually get answers like front, back, left, and right. Then he goes on to note that a block to only one of those is a BIB.

[Texas Aggie]

That's a good idea, Roy, but its hard to visualize the front and back of a two dimensional object. Maybe a piece of paper or cardboard with F, B, R, and L on it.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

When I'm trailing a play, I see such a block and know, KNOW that some coach is going to start screaming for an IBB. I'm rarely "disappointed."

I didn't think it was just me, but it's always entertaining to hear from others.

...and i like how coaches and players call all IBB's "clips", even though they are 2 different fouls. i'm guilty of it too (pretty much because it's easier to yell "clip" than "illegal block in the back"). haha

[rockyroad]

So following the logic here...if the "blockee" does not fall to or get driven to the side, but instead the block spins them around (example, defender hit on right and is spun to left by the contact) then it is an IBB? I ask because that happened in our game Friday on a punt return - we (of course)thought it was clearly an IBB, but the LJ said the contact was on the side...however, our defender was spun completely around because the contact came on the back of the shoulder...so I'm trying to make sure I understand the IBB thing a little better for the future...

[Rich]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

So following the logic here...if the "blockee" does not fall to or get driven to the side, but instead the block spins them around (example, defender hit on right and is spun to left by the contact) then it is an IBB? I ask because that happened in our game Friday on a punt return - we (of course)thought it was clearly an IBB, but the LJ said the contact was on the side...however, our defender was spun completely around because the contact came on the back of the shoulder...so I'm trying to make sure I understand the IBB thing a little better for the future...

Back of the shoulder is NOT a block in the back. A rule of thumb is that the person receiving the block in the back must fall forward, otherwise, it's not a penalty. A "blockee" getting driven to the side is probably blocked in the side.

A block in the back must be inside the shoulders, below the helmet, and above the waist.

See 2-5-2 in the NFHS rules.

It's likely that a lot of legal blocks will blindside the player receiving the block. Those are the ones we always hear about from the coaches. Unless it's between the shoulder blades, though, it's legal.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Back of the shoulder is NOT a block in the back. A rule of thumb is that the person receiving the block in the back must fall forward, otherwise, it's not a penalty. A "blockee" getting driven to the side is probably blocked in the side.

A block in the back must be inside the shoulders, below the helmet, and above the waist.

See 2-5-2 in the NFHS rules.

It's likely that a lot of legal blocks will blindside the player receiving the block. Those are the ones we always hear about from the coaches. Unless it's between the shoulder blades, though, it's legal.

Thanks Rich...makes sense. Is it safe to say that IBB's are pretty inconsistently called that way??

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Back of the shoulder is NOT a block in the back. A rule of thumb is that the person receiving the block in the back must fall forward, otherwise, it's not a penalty. A "blockee" getting driven to the side is probably blocked in the side.

A block in the back must be inside the shoulders, below the helmet, and above the waist.

See 2-5-2 in the NFHS rules.

It's likely that a lot of legal blocks will blindside the player receiving the block. Those are the ones we always hear about from the coaches. Unless it's between the shoulder blades, though, it's legal.

I won't even go that far. If you hit a player on the shoulder he can, because of the angle of the block or due to his momentum, turn so the rest of the block is in the back. This would be a legal block.