free blocking zone

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by jdawgs

We saw a video at our Association meeting that is put out by a a Hawaiian Officials group. It is a tremendous tool. They show actual plays and discuss the rules. During the section on the Free Blocking Zone the commentator said that the blocks were illegal because they were not on the initial charge. When I mentioned to the interpreter that nowhere in the rulebook or casebook does it mention 'initial charge' he stated that I should go to the NFHS website and look for corrections. In the casebook on page 14 2.17.3, 2.17.4 Sit.A and 2.17.4 Sit.B seems to emphasize that initial charge is not the case. These entries say that the lineman takes a step backward and then three sideward steps before clipping or blocking in the back. There is no case stating a block below the waist. Does a block below the waist have to be on the initial charge?

Read 2.17.2 Situation E. This refers to when you would use the "initial charge" terminology. Since the FBZ disintegrates as soon as the ball leaves, it is impossible to guage exactly when it leave the zone on a scrimmage kick or when the QB is in shot gun. This case play helps clarify how to handle these situations. If the blocker delays at all, you have foul.