HELP: DPI / Illegal use of the hands (NFHS)

[Remington]

We are having a huge debate in our association on the interpretation of contacting a receiver downfield. The play that has really begun the debate is a team having a tight end or receiver running a crossing pattern and getting hit by line backers (knocking the receiver to the ground or significantly off their path). Our crew flags this every time if the QB is in shotgun or drops straight back, but what if it is play action??. I would really enjoy to hear how your crews call these plays or if you have any info, links, etc.. to pass on.

[JRutledge]

The rule is relatively clear. You have to let a receiver run a route without unnecessary contact. And a receiver that is not a threat to block you, cannot just be hit because they are in front of you. Totally judgment and yes I would have to look at it if there was play-action, but it would depend if the receiver is running towards a defender and the defender felt they were trying to block.

Peace

[bisonlj]

A defender can legally block a potential blocker so unless the receiver is running away from the defender or beyond him it's generally legal contact. He can't hold him, but he can block him. Even if the QB is in shot gun or dropping straight back it could be a running play requiring the receiver to block. If you do have a foul it is illegal use of hands (same signal as hold).

[Reffing Rev.]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

A defender can legally block a potential blocker so unless the receiver is running away from the defender or beyond him it's generally legal contact. He can't hold him, but he can block him. Even if the QB is in shot gun or dropping straight back it could be a running play requiring the receiver to block. If you do have a foul it is illegal use of hands (same signal as hold).

And in NFHS it is not an auto first down.

[Robert Goodman]

On a crossing pattern (as specified by the original poster) there's a good chance of OPI too.

[bigjohn]

A defender can legally block a potential blocker so unless the receiver is running away from the defender or beyond him it's generally legal contact.

Bisonlj


BLOCKING – USE OF HANDS
9.2.3 SITUATION A: End A1 sprints from the line and then cuts sharply toward
the middle of the field. A1 makes no attempt to block defensive back B1. B1 pursues
A1 and pushes him from the side using his open hands. Contact is made on
A1’s upper arm before the pass is thrown. A1 was moving away from B1 when
the contact occurred. RULING: Illegal use of hands by B1. A defender may legally
contact an eligible receiver beyond the neutral zone before the pass is in flight.
The contact may be a block or warding off the opponent who is attempting to
block by pushing or pulling him. However, if the receiver is not attempting to
block or has gone past or is moving away, it is illegal for the defender to use
hands in the manner described. In this situation, it is clear that A1 is no longer a
potential blocker on B1. (2-3-5a; 7-5-7)

[bigjohn]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The rule is relatively clear. You have to let a receiver run a route without unnecessary contact. And a receiver that is not a threat to block you, cannot just be hit because they are in front of you. Totally judgment and yes I would have to look at it if there was play-action, but it would depend if the receiver is running towards a defender and the defender felt they were trying to block.

Peace

I mean at least Rut agrees with me!!