free blocking zone

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

If Fed wanted to outlaw all BBW, they'd've written it that way. There are some governing bodies stricter than Fed re BBW. What's that lawyer's saying in Latin that translates something like, "The inclusion of something works to the exclusion of other stuff."? The mere delaying of a hit at the level of the knees (absent the other factors of chop block, etc.) is not per se illegal in Fed, although it would be in WPFL. Sometimes the only way to keep a fast opposing DL from beating a trap block is to lunge and cut or clip. Does that endanger the cruciate ligaments? Of course it does, as has been recognized for a century, but if such concern couldn't be compromised they'd outlaw clipping even against the runner.

Robert

From the 1995 Rules Book "A block from the rear is used in quick "trap" plays and "misdirection" plays. A defensive lineman is allowed to penetrate and is then contacted from behind by a pulling offensive blocker. The purpose of the free-blocking zone is to allow utilization of all aspects of contact with minimal compromise to safety."