Illegal Block?

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You can block anyone you want, it is about if it is below waist or in the back or something like spearing or butt blocking. Otherwise all blocks not included are legal. The only other issue is in the FBZ and that is not at issue in the OP.

Not sure why anyone would think these descriptions would be illegal on any level? It does not matter where you are positioned, you can legally block anyone anywhere on the field. The manner of how you block might be illegal.

Peace

While I didn't put the FBZ in the OP, that could be included in the piece of if it is legal, then what could make it illegal.

I know that anybody can block anybody.

The question was posed to me by a coach so he knows how to instruct his players and since I never claim to know everything, and there are many of your football guys on here who have more football knowledge in your thumbnail than I have in total, I posed the question on here for some additional advice and talking points to make sure I don't answer his question incorrectly.

So....anything else that you guys can add, will help make the information that I give the coach more complete.

Thanks,
John

[jTheUmp]

In your situation, the flanker's block must be a) in front, b) above the waist, and c) not combined with a below-the-waist block by the TE in order to be legal.

If one of those three components isn't met, you'd have a) an IBB, b) an illegal BBW, or c) a chop block.

b) could also be a chop block if combined with an above-the-waist block by the TE.

Also, it's important to note that any flanker in motion towards the ball at the snap is going to draw attention from the wing official and/or back judge, specifically looking for illegal blocks by the flanker.

[HLin NC]

As they say in the court room, "objection, facts not in evidence". Realizing we are being technical here but that is the point. The scenario presented in the OP is there is nothing illegal about it- FBZ or no FBZ. "Flanker and a TE performing a legal, double team block is legal, Coach." A high + low block is a chop block and is never legal.

A flanker, by standard position, is normally lined up off the LOS, therefore he may not BBW, legally clip, nor BIB. The basic question posed to you may need refining on his part. Your question back to him should be- "what is it exactly you want to do, Coach?" Beyond that, refer him to Table 9-3-6 in the rule book.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

While I didn't put the FBZ in the OP, that could be included in the piece of if it is legal, then what could make it illegal.

I know that anybody can block anybody.

The question was posed to me by a coach so he knows how to instruct his players and since I never claim to know everything, and there are many of your football guys on here who have more football knowledge in your thumbnail than I have in total, I posed the question on here for some additional advice and talking points to make sure I don't answer his question incorrectly.

So....anything else that you guys can add, will help make the information that I give the coach more complete.

Thanks,
John

I understand, just wanted to make it clear the information given is not illegal. And the fact that this came from a coach is more reason why this question was asked. A coach often never picks up a rulebook, but assumes things from other levels and says things are illegal. Nothing as stated is illegal. If he is thinking there is a "crackback" block of some kind, that only applies to college and the block must be below the waist under the right cirumstances.

Peace

[Rob4092xx]

I hear coaches complain about "crack back blocks" all the time. I just give them a funny look since they never seem to get it no matter how many times I tell them!

Walter D. Robinson Phoenix
Walter Duane Robinson

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I understand, just wanted to make it clear the information given is not illegal. And the fact that this came from a coach is more reason why this question was asked. A coach often never picks up a rulebook, but assumes things from other levels and says things are illegal. Nothing as stated is illegal. If he is thinking there is a "crackback" block of some kind, that only applies to college and the block must be below the waist under the right cirumstances.

Peace