Blocking below waist NFHS

[Kentucky Basketball]

Do you ever allow block below waist by OL on DL with QB in shot gun formation? If so what criteria do yuu use to allow it?

[Kirby]

Different states have used different interpretations, but most will say the block is legal if it is on the inital charge directly after the snap. If there is any hesitation by the Off./Def. Lineman, then the ball is considered to be out of the zone and the block is illegal.

[JRutledge]

Yes you can.

If the initial block is below the waist. The ball has not left the Free-Blocking Zone. Or the defender is in the FBZ at the time of the snap. If you have those things, this can be easily done. Just remember these are judgment calls and not all officials will have the same judgment when it comes to these issues.

Peace

[Kentucky Basketball]

Whether ball has left zone or not is the sticking point. Some say block can't be made before ball leaves zone if Qb is in Shotgun. I have felt that if block was the inital charge it should be legal;

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by Kentucky Basketball

Whether ball has left zone or not is the sticking point. Some say block can't be made before ball leaves zone if Qb is in Shotgun. I have felt that if block was the inital charge it should be legal;

Our state has an unofficial interpretation that the block is allowed if on the initial charge. If you can't get a state consensus, then your local association should have a consistent interpretation so that schools in your area are up to speed on it. If you do get the consistent interpretation, then use every means possible to inform the area coaches before the games start in the fall.

[Soonerump]

I agree with Kirby and JR, if the block started in the neutral zone and it was the initial block then it is legal. As soon as either player is out of the neutral zone, like following the qb out on a sweep, then it is illegal to block below the waist. This is just my opinion.

[bisonlj]

Agreed here as well. I watched the tape of one of our games and the OL was doing this on every shotgun snap. Watching the tape in slow motion, the ball was out of the zone every time the lineman made his block (it leaves quickly) but we agree you give him the benefit of the doubt if his block is immediate. Any delay is flagged. Good preventative officiating would warn the OL the first time you saw it so they know how you will officiat it.