Rock Valley Officials Association

Focus & Emphasis this week• Positioning of wings: coming in getting the ball & squaring off spots/end of runs.

• Mouthpiece (RVOA philosophy)

• Whistle Mechanics – Blow it like you mean it!• One whistle, wings only is most cases & closest to that wing official.• Inadvertent whistles………….Wings make sure you SEE BALL!• Holding – Point of attack guys! (away from play these are talk to’s)• Flag down – Let your crew know by 3 sharp blast of your whistle.• Forward progress – Give them what they earn and know when to blow your whistle.

• Everyone should signal down, Linesman know down & distance.• Signal Mechanics – Everyone should be doing the same way!• Anticipate the play - get into a routine before the start of every play.• Be a people watcher not a BALL watcher. (off ball/dead ball)• Sideline Restricted area, keep this clear!• Chain gang – No coaching or excessive cheering is allowed.• Arrive on time – 30 minute before your first game

Dead Ball Fouls

The following are fouls which can only occur between downs while the ball is dead. If any of these fouls are committed, the ball remains dead, even if the snap is made before a whistle can be blown. We throw are flags HIGH into the air and blow your whistle loud.

These all carry a 5-yard penalty:1)False starts (offense)2)Encroachment (defense) – not allowed to get back.3)Illegal substitution4)Snap infraction5)Illegal equipment6)Delay of game

When to blow your whistle and declare the ball DEAD!

1) The ball or the ball carrier goes out of bounds.2) The ball carrier’s forward progress is stopped.3) Any part of the ball carrier’s body other than his hand or foot touches the ground.4) There is a score or touchback.5) A non-scoring kick or a grounded scoring kick breaks the plane of Team’s R’s goal line.6) A scoring kick touches a Team K player in the EZ or has apparently failed after breaking the

plane of Team R’s goal line.7) A kicking player catches or recovers any free kick, or scrimmage kick which is beyond the

NZ8) A kicking team player touches a scrimmage kick which is beyond the NZ at rest an

untouched by Team R.9) A loose ball comes to rest and no one attempts to secure it.10) A loose ball touches or is touched by anything inbounds other than a player, substitute,

replaced player, an official, authorized equipment, or the ground.11) A receiving team player catches or recovers a kick after he or a teammate makes a valid or

invalid fair catch signal.12) A forward pass, legal or illegal, strikes the ground.13) During a try, Team B gains possession or it is otherwise apparent a kick will fail.14) A simultaneous catch or recovery of a live ball occurs.15) The ball carrier’s helmet comes completely off.

Live Ball Fouls A live-ball foul is simply a foul that occurs while the ball is live. Most of these fouls can only be committed by the offense, but there are a few that the defense can commit. The following acts which, if not corrected, become fouls when the ball is snapped:

1) Illegal formation or numbering2) Illegal motion3) Illegal shift

Certain types of substitution infractions and illegal participation can also occur simultaneous with the snap. The most frequently encountered fouls which is simultaneous with the snap is illegal formation. This includes but is not limited to: Less than 7 players on the offensive line, a numbering violation, lineman locking legs other than the snapper, or a member of Team A not being between the nine-yard marks after the ready-for-play signal and before the snap.

NIFC Rule Exceptions

• Slaughter Rule• Coaches on Field for Flyweight Games• Punting & Kickoffs• Exposed hip pads are allowed• Numbering eligibility - None• 4 -10 minute quarters - NO running the clock (exception only on point spread)

• Penalty enforcement (look to coaches for whether to accept or decline)

Slaughter Rule

a. If a point a point spread of twenty-four (24) points or more exists at any time during the game, coaches of the winning team are required to substitute lesser skilled players at QB, running backs, receivers, and skilled defensive players. An official time out must be called to substitute players and coaches must meet at mid-field. The time out needed for this substitution will NOT be charged against either team. When substituting players due to a point spread, key players may not be substituted to other key positions. NOTE: As officials we do NOT police this.

b. The receiving team, when trailing by 24 points or more, shall retain possession of all Kickoffs under all circumstances. This includes fumbles (whether or not the ball is advanced), on-sides kicks, and kickoff recoveries by the kicking team. In the event the ball is fumbled, the ball shall be spotted at the spot of the fumble.

Punting and Kickoffsa. Heavyweight Division: Kickoffs and Punting are required.

b. Middleweight Division: Kickoffs are required. No-Rush Punting is required.

c. Lightweight Division: Kickoffs are required. Punting is disallowed. Punts will be walk off of yardage.

d. Flyweight Division: Kickoffs and Punting are disallowed.

Definitions:

a) No-Rush Punt (middleweights only): Neither the punting or receiving team may advance or engage prior to the ball making contact with the punters foot. Other than stepping forward in the punting motion, the punter may not advance the ball before kicking. The punting team shall inform the game officials (Referee) of the intent to punt prior to punting.

b) Punt walk-offs (lightweight and flyweights): 25 yards will be walked off in lieu of punting. If the line of scrimmage is within the opposing team’s 35-yard line, the ball will be placed on the 10-yard line. Teams have the normal play clock time (25-seconds) within in which to decide to punt or not. If/when the offense decides to punt, the clock will be stopped, 10-seconds will be wound off the play clock, the ball will be spotted by the officials, and the time will continue when the receiving team begins the next play.

c) Kickoffs (flyweights only): The ball will be placed on the 35-yard line.

9

Scrimmage Kick

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RefereePosition 3-4 yards in front of kicker, 5-7 yards wide on Line Judge side

Be able to see ball and all backs

Watch for fouls behind neutral zone and roughing / running into kicker

Be alert for blocked kicks and recovery

R

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Scrimmage Kick

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RefereeAfter ball crosses neutral zone, observe line play and move down field slowly

If necessary, determine if ball was touched beyond the neutral zone and by whom

Be ready to pick up runner on long run and continue with him to goal line

R

11

Scrimmage Kick

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LJ

RefereeIf ball kicked out of bounds in flight, assist the covering official with spot

In no foul, signal linesmen and line-to-gain equipment into position for next play

Make sure all officials ready prior to giving ready-for-play signal

H

R

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Scrimmage Kick

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UmpirePosition 4 to 7 yards deep, keeping ball in view

Check numbering exceptions

After snap, step toward neutral zone watching for possible roughing of snapper, then shift to blocking action

U

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Scrimmage Kick

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UmpireDetermine if kick crosses neutral zone

Assist Referee with short or blocked kicks

Once kick crosses neutral zone, pivot and observe blocks downfield and players away from ball

U

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Scrimmage Kick

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H

Lineman

Cover kicks to your side of field

If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you

Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action

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Scrimmage Kick

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H

LinemanHelp Referee with short or blocked kicks and note spot of recovery

Bean bag spot of first touching and end of kick

Be ready for fair catch and blow whistle only after kick is secured

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Scrimmage Kick

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H

Lineman

Routine kick, move downfield cautiously observer action in front of ball carrier

Move with runner to your sideline and follow until goal line

Only move line to gain equipment when sure no foul on play and signaled by Referee

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Scrimmage Kick

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LJLine JudgePosition 7 to 10 yards in front of deepest receiver and in position to cover sideline

Carry bean bag in hand

Be ready to rule on momentum inside 5 yard line

Observe initial action around receiver

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Scrimmage Kick

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LJLine Judge

Drop Bean Bag to mark end of kick

Maintain responsibility of ball carrier on returns up the middle and to your side until released to other official

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Scrimmage Kick

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G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJLine Judge

If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you

Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action

Returns to Linesman side, move slowly behind play observe all action

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Scrimmage Kick

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G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

Line JudgeIf K first to touch, mark spot of first touching with bean bag

If fair catch is signaled, sound whistle after kick is complete, and mark spot

Be ready for muff

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Measurement

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G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

Line JudgeAlign Linesman up with line and ball

LinesmanWalk chains out, place clip on line and hold

UmpireAfter Linesman ready, pull chain

RefereeHold ball and determine if ball across line-to-gain

H

R

LJ

Posted on our Website

• Most past presentations, including todays

• 4 & 5 man mechanics positioning & keys

• 2011 Rule Book & Case Book

• NIFC Rules & Differences

• Tips of the week (rules & mechanics)

• Dress code/requirements

• IHSA insurance coverage information

Blocking, Holding, Free Blocking Zone

Presenter: Duffey Ainsworth

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Free Blocking Zone

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“Zone”It is defined as a rectangle centered on the spot of the snap.

It measures 8-yards laterally & 6-yards lengthwise.

A player is in the zone when any part of this body is in the zone at the snap.

A defensive player is on his LOS when he is within1-yard of the NZ.

4 Major Blocking TechniquesLegal & Illegal

1. Clipping

2. Blocking in the back

3. Blocking below the waist

4. Chop block

ClippingThis rule was written so a player should not be contacted from behind by an opponent he cannot see approaching. The legality of the block and whether it constitutes a foul is usually dependent upon the initial contact. Protection is not provided a player who turns his back to an oncoming blocker when the blocker has committed himself in intent and direction of movement. Because of the injury risk, clipping is considered one of the most dangerous fouls. 2-5-1 gives a definition of clipping – contacting an opponent from the rear at or below the waist. Clipping is a 15-yard penalty.

  

Clipping is allowed in one special circumstance (9-3-5a). Offensive linemen may clip in the free-blocking zone as outlined in 2-17-1. The free-blocking zone (2-17), also referred to as the “zone”, is defined as a rectangle centered on the spot of the snap. It measures eight yards laterally and six yards lengthwise. Offensive linemen in this zone at the snap may legally clip inside the zone. The zone disintegrates as soon as the ball leaves the zone. This is a fairly long-winded way of saying offensive linemen may block from behind on their initial charge or shortly thereafter. NOTE the restrictions: they must be on the line within the zone at the snap and the block must be in the zone against an opponent who was on the line and in the zone at the snap. The allowance is only for linemen. Backs or those lined up illegally in “no man’s land” may not clip.

 

Clipping

In summary, there are three requirements for a legal clip. The block must be: 

1. By an offensive lineman who is in the zone at the snap.2. Against an opponent/defensive players who are on the line of

scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.3. Contact is in the zone

 Defensive players are never allowed to clip.

Blocking In The BackA block in the back is a similar infraction to clipping except it is contact from behind and above the waist and a 10-yard penalty. Like clipping, blocking in the back is allowed for offensive linemen in the free-blocking zone. Offensive linemen may legally block in the back inside the zone if the opponent was in the zone at the snap and the block is in the zone.

 In summary, there are three requirements for a legal block in the back. The block must be:

 1. By an offensive linemen who are on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.2. Against an opponent/defensive players who are in the zone at the snap.3. The contact is in the zone & before the ball leaves the zone.

 Defensive players are allowed to push an opponent in the back above the waist if they are trying to get to the runner. Also, players of either team may push or pull in the back when trying to reach a loose ball, such as a fumble, a backward pass, a kick they are eligible to touch, or a tipped forward pass. They also are allowed to push in the back if they are warding off a blocker.

  

Blocking In The Back

In summary, there are three differences between clipping and blocking in the back.

1)   Clipping is a 15-yard penalty, while a block in the back is a 10-yard penalty.

2) A defensive player need only be in the zone at the snap to be legally blocked in the back.

3) Must be on the line and in the zone at the snap in order to be legally clipped.

 A block in the back is legal anywhere on the field to get at the runner, a loose ball or to ward off a blocker.

Blocking Below The WaistBlocking below the waist is initial contact below the waist from the front or side against an opponent other than a runner. Like clipping, it is an illegal block that is allowed under certain conditions. These are outlined in 2-17-2 in the rule book. The NFHS philosophy is an above the waist block in the open field usually accomplishes the same purpose as a block below the waist, but reduces the possibility of injury to the opponent’s legs. Please remember blocking below the waist refers to blocks from the front or side. If the block is from the rear, it falls under the clipping rule.

 Blocking below the waist is allowed for certain players in the free-blocking zone. In addition to being in the free-blocking zone at the snap, both players must have been on their line of scrimmage at the snap. Also, the contact must take place in the zone. A “crackback block” may be either a legal or illegal block. Although there is no formal definition, this term is used to describe a block by a wide receiver who blocks back towards the spot of the snap. The crackback block can be from the front or behind, and either above or below the waist. If the crackback is in front or side and above the waist, it is a legal block.

 Likewise, since only offensive lineman in the zone may clip in the zone, any crackback from behind is also illegal.

 In summary, there are four requirements for a legal block below the waist. The block must be:

 1. By a blocker (offensive or defense) who is in the zone and on his line of scrimmage at the snap;

 2. In the zone;

 3. Against an opponent in the zone and on his line of scrimmage a the snap;

 4. Before the ball leaves the zone.

 

Blocking Below The WaistIn the kicking game, blocking below the waist has been virtually eliminated. If there is a free kick, then blocking below the waist is not permitted by either team anywhere on the field at anytime during the down. It is important to note the block below the waist is prohibited during the entire down, not just during the kick. Thus, if a member of the receiving team blocks below the waist during the return, it is a foul-even though the kick has ended.

 If there is a scrimmage kick, any blocking below the waist must be initiated immediately after the snap, since the ball will leave the zone on the snap. Like the free kick, blocking below the waist is forbidden during the return of a scrimmage kick. Blocking below the waist is also prohibited anywhere on the field after a change of possession. Thus, when the defense recovers or intercepts a fumble or backward pass, or intercepts a forward pass, no one is allowed to block below the waist.

 

Chop BlockChop Block 

A chop block is a delayed block at the knees or below against an opponent (other than the runner) who is in contact with a teammate of the blocker in the free-blocking zone. Such contact outside the zone is an illegal block below the waist. If the blocks are simultaneous or if the opponent has disengaged from the first block when the second occurs, there cannot be a chop block.

  FIRST BLOCK SECOND BLOCK TIMING RULINGHigh Low Simultaneous Illegal BlockLow Low Simultaneous Legal BlockHigh High Simultaneous Legal Block 

Here are some key points regarding chop blocks;• Both offensive and defensive players can be guilty of a chop block;•  Two simultaneous blocks are legal in situations where low blocks are legal;•  If the second block is a delayed low block, it is a chop block (high-delay-low or low-delay-low). 

Questions?