"crackback block"
 

I am talking about the kind of blocks that usually happen on an int return or punt return where a blocker of the team that has the ball blindsides a player from the opposing team. Assuming its a legal block as far as he does not contact the head, block from behind or go low could this be called a penalty based on it being a defenseless player?

There is no foul for a defenseless player unless they are out of the play. If they are actively trying to play football, they are able to be blocked, even with force. At least that is what we were told by our state's interpretation.

Peace

It may be different state to state but what you mentioned is what we have always done, if they take a unnecessary shot away from the ball it gets called. The new definition of a defenseless player: A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury.

By definition it seems crackback blocks would be a foul, but I guess it might vary state to state on how it is interpreted.

In our state, this would be a legal block as long as he has a chance to make a play. If he's just jogging downfield, it's a foul.

Losing concentration of your surroundings while ACTIVELY PURSUING A PLAY does not render a player "defenseless". Although it may render him "Careless" or even "Clueless" both of which often tend to produce harsh (but legal) consequences.

A crack back is not defined in the rulebook but I've generally understood it to be a block by a wide receiver blocking back towards the original position of the ball at the snap.

In your case, I'd consider that a "blind side block" and per the definition of a defenseless player, he should be considering defenseless. As long as the player being blocked is not hit illegally (out of the play, block below the waist, helmet contact, targeting, etc) then a blind slide block is still legal.

It certainly can per both the NCAA and NFHS definition. It depends upon how he was blocked and what he was focused on. There is a difference between a player out of the play and one who is defenseless.

I think the defenseless player is a "you have to be there" judgment. Focus is a key word there. I usually think of the player who is 20 yds behind a long return and get lit up. We've always flagged something like that but the new term "defenseless player" makes us all more aware of potential situations.