Rule 9 Conduct of Players and Others Subject to the Rules

SECTION 1. Personal Fouls

All fouls in this section (unless noted) and any other acts of unnecessary roughness are personal fouls. For flagrant personal fouls mandating conference review, see Rule 9-6. Except as otherwise noted, the penalties for all personal fouls are as follows:

PENALTY—Personal foul. 15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Penalties for Team A live-ball personal fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the live-ball foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line [S7, S24, S25, S28, S34, S38, S39, S40, S41, S45 or S46]. Flagrant offenders shall be ejected or disqualified [S47].

For Team A fouls during free or scrimmage kick plays: Enforcement may be at the previous spot or, if the scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone, the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (field-goal plays exempted) (Rules 6-1-8 and 6-3-13).

For Team B personal fouls during a legal forward pass play (Rules 7-3-12 and 10-2-2e): Enforcement is at the end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of team possession during the down. If the pass is incomplete or intercepted, or if there is a change of team possession during the down, the penalty is enforced at the previous spot.

Flagrant Fouls

ARTICLE 1. Before the game, during the game and between periods, all flagrant fouls (Rule 2-10-3) require ejection or disqualification. Team B flagrant personal fouls require first downs if not in conflict with other rules.

Striking Fouls and Tripping

ARTICLE 2.

A. No person subject to the rules shall strike an opponent with the knee; strike an opponent’s helmet (including the face mask), neck, face or any other part of the body with an extended forearm, elbow, locked , palm, fist, or the heel, back or side of the open hand; or gouge an opponent.

Approved Ruling 9-1-2 I. A player on defense sticks out his foot and trips an opponent. (a) The opponent is a wide receiver running a passing route. (b) The opponent is the ball carrier. RULING: (a) and (b) Personal foul, Tripping. Penalty—15 yards, automatic first down.

B. No person subject to the rules shall strike an opponent with their foot or any part of their leg that is below the knee.

Approved Ruling 9-1-2 II. A1, a ball carrier, strikes tackler B6 with his extended forearm just before being tackled. RULING: Personal foul. Penalty—15 yards. Enforce from the previous spot if foul occurs behind the neutral zone. Ejection if flagrant. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

Approved Ruling 9-1-2 III. A11 completes a forward pass to A88 who is tackled in the field of play. During the play defensive end B88 is flagged for a personal foul against A79. RULING: The 15-yard penalty is enforced at the spot where A88 is tackled (Rules 7-3-12 and 9-1 Penalty).

Approved Ruling 9-1-2 IV. 1/10 @ A-25. Defender B21 is in press coverage, and at the snap strikes wideout A88 in the face mask. A88 is initially disrupted from running the route. A12 is sacked for a 7-yard loss. RULING: Personal foul by B21 for striking A88. Team A will have 1/10 @ A-40. With this type action, continuous contact to the opponent’s face, helmet (including the face mask) or neck is not a requirement to be a foul as per Rule 9-1-8a.

C. There shall be no tripping. Tripping is intentionally using the lower leg or foot to obstruct an opponent below the knee. (Rule 2-28)

Approved Ruling 9-1-2 I. A player on defense sticks out his foot and trips an opponent. (a) The opponent is a wide receiver running a passing route. (b) The opponent is the ball carrier. RULING: (a) and (b) Personal foul, Tripping. Penalty—15 yards, automatic first down.

Targeting and Making Forcible Contact With the Crown of the Helmet

ARTICLE 3. No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of their helmet. The crown of the helmet is the top segment of the helmet; namely, the circular area defined by a 6-inch radius from the apex (top) of the helmet. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul. (Rule 9-6) 

Approved Ruling 9-1-3 I. Passer A12 inside the tackle box is looking for an open receiver. Before or just as he releases the ball, A12 is hit from the side at the ribs, thigh or knee by B79, who dives forward and leads with the crown (top) of his helmet. This occurs in the (a) first half; (b) second half. RULING: Foul by B79 for targeting his opponent and initiating contact with the top of his helmet. 15 yards, first down. B79 is automatically disqualified (a) for the remainder of the game. (b) for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game.

Approved Ruling 9-1-3 II. Player number 21 for the home team is disqualified late in the 3rd quarter for targeting with the crown of the helmet. This was number 21’s third targeting foul in the season. RULING: Enforce the 15-yard penalty for targeting and number 21 is disqualified. That player may remain in the team area for the balance of the game. If a player receives a 3rd Targeting foul within the same season, in addition to being disqualified for that game, the player will receive a one-game suspension in that team’s next scheduled game. While serving this suspension, this player may not be in the team area nor in the playing enclosure. Note: The second half targeting foul may be appealed to the national coordinator for video review.

Targeting and Making Forcible Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player

ARTICLE 4. No player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent (See Note 2 below) with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul (Rules 2-27-14 and 9-6). 

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 I. Receiver A83 has just leaped and received a forward pass. As A83 is about to regain his balance, B45 launches and drives into A83 above the shoulder area with his helmet or shoulder. This occurs in the (a) first half; (b) second half. RULING: Foul by B45 for targeting and initiating contact with a defenseless opponent above the shoulders. 15 yards, first down. B45 is automatically disqualified (a) for the remainder of the game. (b) for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game.

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 II. As ball carrier A20 sweeps around the end and heads upfield, he lowers his head and contacts defensive end B89 who is trying to tackle him. B89’s head is up and the players meet helmet to helmet. RULING: No foul. Neither A20 nor B89 is a defenseless player and neither has targeted his opponent in the sense of Rule 9-1-3.

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 III. A44 is covering the kickoff that opens the second half. As A44 is running at the Team B 45-yard line, B66 targets and launches into A44 from the side, a blind-side block. B66 first makes contact with his forearm at A44's (a) neck; (b) upper arm or shoulder. RULING: (a) Foul by B66 for blind-side block with targeting. 15-yard penalty at the end of the run. B66 is disqualified for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game. (b) Based on this year's rule change (Rule 9-1-18), this is now a foul for blind-side block. No foul for targeting – Although A44 is a defenseless player and B66 targets him, the contact by B66 is not to the head or neck area. (Rule 2-27-14)

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 IV. A12 who normally plays quarterback is lined up as a wide receiver in the backfield and A33 is five yards behind the snapper in a shotgun formation. A33’s pass intended for A12 is intercepted. During the interception return B55 targets and launches at A33, striking him in the side of the helmet. RULING: Foul by B55 for targeting and initiating contact at the head of a defenseless player. For purposes of Rule 2-27-14, A33 is a defenseless player since he played the down in the role of the quarterback.

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 V. End A81 is split far to the left of the formation, to the outside of defensive end B89. On a sweep play in B89’s direction he moves to his left to focus on the ball carrier, losing sight of A81. A81 then cuts to the inside, takes aim and launches at B89, forcibly contacting him with his forearm to B89’s neck. RULING: Foul for blind-side block with targeting. Under Rule 9-1-4, 15-yard penalty, A81 is disqualified. B89 is a defenseless player as he is subject to the blind-side block. (Rule 2-27-14)

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 VI. Ball carrier A33 has gained several yards and is in the grasp of two defenders. A33’s forward progress has been stopped and is being driven back, but the ball has not been declared dead. Linebacker B55 crouches and thrusts himself forward, driving his forearm into the side of A33’s helmet. RULING: Targeting foul by B55. 15-yard penalty, B55 is disqualified. A33 is a defenseless player since he is in the grasp of the opponents and his forward progress has been stopped. (Rule 2-27-14)

Note 1: “Targeting” means that a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball. Some indicators of targeting include but are not limited to:

• Launch. A player leaving their feet to attack an opponent by an upward and forward thrust of the body to make forcible contact in the head or neck area.

• A crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area, even though one or both feet are still on the ground.

• Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area.

• Lowering the head before attacking by initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.

 

Note 2: Defenseless player (Rule 2-27-14). When in question, a player is defenseless. Examples of defenseless players include but are not limited to:

• A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass. This includes an offensive player in a passing posture with focus downfield.

• A receiver attempting to catch a forward pass or in position to receive a backward pass, or one who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.

• A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the return.

• A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.

• A player on the ground.

• A player obviously out of the play.

• A player who receives a blind-side block.

• A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped.

• A quarterback any time after a change of possession

• A ball carrier who has obviously given themselves up and is sliding feet-first.

PENALTY—[ARTICLE 3 and ARTICLE 4]—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. For fouls in the first half: Disqualification for the remainder of the game. (Rule 2-27-12) For fouls in the second half: Disqualification for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game. If the foul occurs in the second half of the last game of the season, players with remaining eligibility shall serve the suspension during the postseason or the first game of the following season.

If a player receives a third Targeting foul within the same season, disqualification for the remainder of the game and that player will receive an automatic one-game suspension in their team’s next scheduled game. Targeting fouls subsequent to the player’s third Targeting foul within the same season, disqualification for the remainder of that game and the player will receive an automatic one-game suspension in their team’s next scheduled game. If the foul occurs in the last game of the season, players with remaining eligibility shall serve the suspension during the postseason or the first game of the following season.

The disqualification must be reviewed by Instant Replay (Rule 12-3-5). [S38, S24 and S47]

When the Instant Replay Official reverses the disqualification:

If the targeting foul is not in conjunction with another personal foul by the same player, the 15-yard penalty for targeting is not enforced. If the player commits another personal foul in conjunction with the targeting foul, the 15-yard penalty for that personal foul is enforced according to rule. 

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 VII. Pass receiver A88 has just caught the ball when defender B55 launches and drives his shoulder and forearm into his upper body. The back judge flags B55 for targeting to the head-neck area and he is disqualified. The referee makes his announcement of the targeting foul, and the play goes to review. RULING: After review, Instant Replay rules that there was not forcible contact to the head-neck area, overturning the disqualification of B55. The referee announces that B55 is not disqualified and that there will be no 15-yard penalty.

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 VIII. Punt receiver B44 is in position to catch a punt. Gunner A88 races down the field and launches at B44, driving the side of his helmet and shoulder into B44’s upper body the instant before the ball arrives. The side judge and field judge throw their flags and report to the referee that A88 is charged with kick-catch interference and targeting to the head-neck area. The referee makes his announcement of kick-catch interference with targeting to the head-neck area. The play goes to review. RULING: After review, Instant Replay rules that A88 did not make forcible contact to the head-neck area, overturning his disqualification. The referee announces that A88 is not disqualified and that the 15-yard penalty for interference with the opportunity to catch a kick will be enforced.

For games in which Instant Replay is used:

If a player is disqualified in the second half, the conference has the option to consult the national coordinator of football officials who would then facilitate a video review. Based on the review, if and only if the national coordinator concludes that it is clearly obvious the player should not have been disqualified, the suspension will be vacated. If the national coordinator supports the disqualification, the suspension for the next game will remain.

For games in which Instant Replay is not used:

If a player is disqualified in the first half, at the option of the conference or by pre-game mutual agreement of the teams in inter-conference games, during the intermission between halves the Referee will be provided a video of the play in question for their review in the officials’ private secure location. The Referee will review the video to determine whether the disqualification is reversed. The decision of the Referee is final.

Note: The video source and the location of the review will be determined prior to the game through mutual agreement of the teams and the Referee.

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 IX. In a game without instant replay, the conference or teams have agreed to use the halftime review process for first-half targeting fouls. During the first quarter, pass receiver A88 has just caught the ball when defender B55 launches and drives his shoulder and forearm into his upper body. The back judge flags B55 for targeting to the head-neck area. The referee makes his announcement of the targeting foul and that B55 is disqualified. RULING: In the halftime review of the video, the referee and the crew determine that B55 did not make forcible contact to A88’s head-neck area, overturning his disqualification. The referee informs both head coaches that B55 may return to the game in the second half. Before the kickoff for the second half, the referee announces to the stadium that after review, the disqualification of B55 is overturned and he may return to the game for the second half.

If a player is disqualified in the second half, the conference has the option to consult the national coordinator of football officials who would then facilitate a video review. Based on the review, if and only if the national coordinator concludes that the player should not have been disqualified, the suspension will be vacated. If the national  coordinator supports the disqualification, the suspension for the next game will remain. 

Approved Ruling 9-1-4 X. On a punt return, B44 launches at A66 from the blind side and drives his shoulder into him. The force of the contact is at A66's side below the shoulder. RULING: Foul for blind-side block. A66 is a defenseless player because B44 executes a blind-side block. However, this is not a targeting foul because the forcible contact is not to the head/neck area.

Clipping

ARTICLE 5. There shall be no clipping (Rule 2-5).

Exceptions:

1. Offensive players who are on the line of scrimmage at the snap within the blocking zone (Rule 2-3-6) legally may clip in the blocking zone, subject to the following restrictions:

(a) A player in the blocking zone may not block an opponent with the force of the initial contact from behind and at or below the knee.

(b) A player on the line of scrimmage within the blocking zone may not leave the zone and return and legally clip.

(c) No player may violate Rule 9-1-6 (Blocking Below the Waist).

Note: The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone (Rule 2-3-6).

2. When a player turns their back to a potential blocker who has committed themself in intent and direction or movement.

3. When a player attempts to reach a runner or attempts to legally recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass, that player may push an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks (Rule 9-3-5 Exception 3).

4. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks to get to a forward pass (Rule 9-3-5 Exception 5).

5. Clipping is allowed against the runner.

Blocking Below the Waist

ARTICLE 6.

a. Team A prior to a change of team possession:

1. Linemen with initial position completely inside the tackle box may legally block below the waist inside the tackle box on their initial line charge. A block initiated 1-yard beyond the neutral zone is considered within the tackle box. After the initial line charge, these linemen may block below the waist within the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 VII. 1/10 @ A-40. A12 takes the snap and starts on a sweep to his right. Guard A66 pulls and leads the play. As the play develops linebacker B55 blocks A66 from the front at the thigh at the A-39. A12 is driven out of bounds at the A-48. RULING: Illegal block below the waist. B55 was not aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage and therefore cannot block below the waist.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 IX. 1/10 @ A-45. Guard A66 is next to the snapper. Immediately after the snap, A66 blocks (a) nose guard B55 at the A-46, or (b) linebacker B33 at the A-48. In either case the block is below the waist at the side of the opponent. RULING: (a) Legal block. A66 has left the tackle box, but a block initiated one yard beyond the neutral zone is considered within the tackle box. (b) Foul, illegal block below the waist. In this case, A66 has left the tackle box and has gone to the second level to make this low block. To be legal this block may not be below the waist.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 XI 3/10 @ A-25. Left tackle A77 is line up inside the tackle box and defender B55 is an edge rusher and is lined up near the line of scrimmage and just outside of A77. At the snap, A77 kicks back into pass protection and B55 comes straight up the field rushing the passer. During the initial line charge of B55, A77 blocks B55 below the waist and the block is directed from the side well behind the neutral zone. A77 has one foot in the tackle box as the block is initiated. RULING: Legal block by A77. This action is considered part of the initial line charge and A77 can block below the waist and is not restricted to only blocking below the waist from the front. After the initial line charge, and if it is clearly a second act, then A77 is restricted to blocking below the waist in the tackle box and the block then must be directed from the front.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 XII 3/10 @ A-25. Left tackle A77 is lined up inside the tackle box and defender B60 is lined up near the line of scrimmage and inside of A77 and is head up on left guard. The play is a toss sweep to the right and as B60 on his initial line charge starts his pursuit, A77 releases to the right and blocks B60 below the waist from the side. RULING: Legal block by A77. This action is considered part of the initial line charge and A77 can block below the waist and is not restricted to only blocking below the waist from the front. There is no step count for initial line charge, just a judgement if the action becomes a second act. After the initial line charge, and if it is clearly a second act, then A77’s block below the waist in the tackle box must be directed from the front.

2. Stationary Backs lined up with any part of their body inside the tackle box may block below the waist within the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front. “Directed from the front” is defined as within the clock face region between “10 o’clock and 2 o’clock” forward of the area of concentration of the player being blocked.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 I. 1/10 @ A-40. Back A44 in lined up just behind the RT, and has his left foot inside the RT’s outside foot. At the snap, A44 works back across the formation and blocks B77 below the waist from the side. B77 is inside the tackle box and 1 yard in the offensive backfield at the time of the block. During the play, A33 runs for a 12-yard gain. RULING: The block by A44 is an illegal block below the waist because it is not directed from the front. Stationary backs lined up within the tackle box may block below the waist in the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front. The penalty is 15 yards and is enforced from the previous spot. Team A will have 1/25 @ A-25.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 II. 1/10 @ A-40. Back A44 is stationary and lined up 4 yards deep and is just behind the RG. After the snap, QB A12 takes a deep drop, and remains in the tackle box looking downfield. Linebacker, B55 blitzes between the LG and LT, and A44 crosses over to the left side of the formation and blocks B55 below the waist at the A-36. The block is directed from the front. After the block, A12’s pass is completed to A88 for a gain of 15-yards. RULING: There is no foul on the play. The block by back A44 is legal as a stationary back lined up within the tackle box may block below the waist in the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front. Team A will have 1/10 @ B-45.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 III. Back A41 is stationary at the snap directly behind the right tackle in a balanced line formation. His left shoulder is inside the tackle box. The quarterback hands the ball to back A22 who runs straight ahead. A41 blocks B2 who moves into the offensive backfield to make a play on the ball carrier before A22 reaches the line of scrimmage. The block is below the waist and clearly at the side. RULING: Illegal block. A41 is partially inside the tackle box and behind the second lineman at the snap, but the block is not from the front.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 V. Back A22 is stationary inside the tackle box at the snap. After the snap A22 shoots between the tackle and the guard and blocks B55 below the waist directed from the front. The initial contact is three yards beyond the neutral zone. RULING: Illegal block below the waist. The block is directed from the front, but is beyond the neutral zone.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 VI. 3/7 @ A-30. The ball is at the left hash mark. Back A22 is split completely outside the frame of the tackle on the left side, and B40 moves out to cover him. The handoff goes to back A44 who sweeps around the right end. As the play develops B40 follows the play and A22 chases him. At the A-34 beyond the right hash mark A22 overtakes B40 and blocks him below the waist clearly and directly at the front (“10-to-2”). A44 is tackled at the B-45. RULING: Illegal block below the waist. A22’s initial position is outside the tackle box, so A22 may not legally block below the waist.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 X 3/10 @ A-25. Back A21 is stationary and is lined up in the tackle box. Just after the snap A21 immediately releases outside the tackle box. QB A12 is in the pocket to pass and A21 sees linebacker B54 blitzing. A21 returns into the tackle box and before A12 throws the pass, blocks B54 below the waist in the tackle box and the block is directed from the front. RULING: Foul by A21 for an illegal block below the waist. Once a player leaves the tackle box during the play, that player is considered outside the tackle box for the remainder of the down. A21 may not block below the waist once considered outside the tackle box.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 XIII 3/10 @ A-25. Back A21 is stationary and is lined up in the tackle box. Just after the snap, A21 immediately steps up and blocks blitzing linebacker 1-yard beyond the neutral zone. The block is below the waist and directed from the front. RULING: Legal block by A21. A block initiated 1-yard beyond the neutral zone is considered within the tackle box for both a lineman and back assuming that block meets all the other requirements for a legal block below the waist.

3. All other Team A players are not allowed to block below the waist.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 VIII. At the snap tight end A85 is aligned six yards from the snapper. Before the ball has left the tackle box, A85 blocks tackle B77 below the waist at the side. RULING: Illegal block below the waist. A85’s initial position is outside the tackle box at the snap, so A85 may not block below the waist. Fifteen-yard penalty.

b. Team B prior to a change of team possession:

1. Players aligned in a stationary position within 1-yard of the line of scrimmage within the tackle box may legally block below the waist in the tackle box on their initial line charge.

Approved Ruling 9-1-6 IV. Defensive end B88 is lined up on the outside shoulder of tackle of A75. On the initial line charge, B88 blocks tackle A75 below the waist from the side inside the tackle box. RULING: No foul for an illegal block below the waist.

2. All other Team B players are not allowed to block below the waist except against a runner.

c. Kicks. During a down in which there is a free kick or scrimmage kick, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal except against a ball carrier.

d. After change of team possession. After any change of team possession, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal except against a ball carrier.

Clipping. No player may violate Rule 9-1-5 (Clipping).

Late Hit, Action Out of Bounds

ARTICLE 7.

a. There shall be no piling on, falling on or throwing the body on an opponent after the ball becomes dead.

Approved Ruling 9-1-7 I. After the ball is dead, a player throws himself onto an opponent lying on the ground. RULING: Personal foul. Penalty—15 yards from the succeeding spot and first down if by a Team B player and not in conflict with other rules. “Piling on’’ applies to a ball carrier or to any other opponent who is prostrate when the ball becomes dead.

Approved Ruling 9-1-7 II. On a sweep play toward the sideline, linebacker B55 goes out of bounds to avoid a block. Guard A66 is leading the play, and just as he steps on the sideline with his front foot he drives his shoulder in the waist at the front of B55 who is still out of bounds. RULING: Legal block. A66 does not have both feet out of bounds.

b. No opponent shall tackle or block the runner when the runner is clearly out of bounds or throw the runner to the ground after the ball becomes dead.

c. It is illegal for any player to be clearly out of bounds when initiating a block against an opponent who is out of bounds. The spot of the foul is where the blocker crosses the sideline in going out of bounds.

Helmet and Face Mask Fouls

ARTICLE 8.

a. No player shall continuously contact an opponent’s face, helmet (including the face mask) or neck with hand(s) or arm(s) (Exception: By or against the runner). [S26]

b. No player shall grasp and then twist, turn or pull the face mask, chin strap or any helmet opening of an opponent. It is not a foul if the face mask, chin strap or helmet opening is not grasped and then twisted, turned or pulled. When in question, it is a foul.

Roughing the Passer

ARTICLE 9.

a. No defensive player shall unnecessarily rough a passer, when it is obvious the ball has been thrown. The following actions are illegal, but not limited to:

1. Targeting fouls as noted in Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4.

2. Forcible contact to the head or neck area that does not meet the requirements of Rule 9-1-4 (also reference Rule 9-1-2).

3. Forcible contact that is avoidable after it is obvious the ball has left the passer’s hand. (Exception: A defensive player who is blocked by a Team A player[s] with a force so that they have no opportunity to avoid contact with the passer. However, this does not relieve the defensive player of responsibility for personal fouls as described in elsewhere in this section.).

4. Forcibly driving the passer to the ground and landing on the passer with action that punishes the player.

5. Any action that is a personal foul as described elsewhere in this section.

b. When an offensive player is in a passing posture with one or both feet on the ground, no defensive player rushing unabated shall hit the player forcibly at the knee area or below. The defensive player also may not initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit this opponent in the knee area or below. [Exceptions: (1) It is not a foul if the offensive player is a runner not in a passing posture, either inside or outside the tackle box. (2) It is not a foul if the defender grabs or wraps this opponent in an attempt to make a conventional tackle without making forcible contact with the head or shoulder. (3) It is not a foul if the defender is not rushing unabated or is blocked or fouled into this opponent.]

For paragraphs a and b, the penalty is added to the end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of team possession during the down. 

Approved Ruling 9-1-9 I. After passer A17 releases the ball, B68 takes two strides and charges into A17, showing no attempt to avoid contact. RULING: Roughing the passer. The passer is a defenseless player who is vulnerable to injury and must be fully protected. After taking two strides, B68 should be aware that A17 has released the ball and be able to avoid contacting him.

Approved Ruling 9-1-9 II. Quarterback A11 drops back in the pocket and sets up to pass. Just as he releases the ball he is hit by end B88 who drives his shoulder into A11’s knee. The pass is (a) incomplete; (b) caught by A44 who is tackled after a 12-yard gain to the B-40. RULING: Foul by B88 for forcibly hitting the passer at the knee or below, in violation of Rule 9-1-9b. Automatic first down and 15-yard penalty enforced at (a) the previous spot; (b) at the B-40, the end of the run by A44.

Approved Ruling 9-1-9 III. Quarterback A11 drops back in the pocket and sets up to pass. He then scrambles to his right, sets up again and is in the passing posture when he is hit by end B88 who drives his shoulder into A11’s knee. A11 then pulls the ball in and goes to the ground because of being tackled by B88. RULING: Foul by B88, violation of Rule 9-1-9b. While A11 is technically not a passer because he did not release the ball, the action by B88 is a foul under 9-1-9b because of the vulnerability of A11 as a potential passer in a passing posture.

Chop Blocking

ARTICLE 10. There shall be no chop blocking (Rule 2-3-3).

Approved Ruling 9-1-10 I. On a forward pass play, A75 is blocking B66 at the waist behind the neutral zone. While A75 maintains contact, A47 subsequently blocks B66 at his thigh. RULING: Chop block, 15 yards from the previous spot.

Approved Ruling 9-1-10 II. As the flow of the play moves to the left, right tackle A77 is disengaging from his block above the thigh with B50 when A27 blocks B50 at his knee. RULING: Chop block, 15 yards. Previous-spot enforcement if the foul occurs behind the neutral zone.

Approved Ruling 9-1-10 III. Immediately after the snap, left guard A65 and left tackle A79 simultaneously block B66, who is in the neutral zone. (a) Both blocks are at the thigh. (b) One contact is at the waist and the other at the knee. RULING: (a) Legal blocks for a low-low combination. (b) Foul, chop block.

Approved Ruling 9-1-10 IV. Tight end A87 and wingback A43 are leading the play when both simultaneously block linebacker B17, who is three yards beyond the neutral zone. (a) Both blocks are above the waist. (b) One block is above the waist and the other at the knee. RULING: (a) Legal blocks. (b) Foul, chop block.

Approved Ruling 9-1-10 V. After snapping the ball, snapper A54 brushes by nose guard B62 on his way to block a linebacker. A54 makes slight contact with B62, or B62 reaches out and uses his arm to initiate contact with A54. While B62 and A54 are in contact, right guard A68 blocks B62 at the knee from the front. RULING: Legal. A54 is not blocking B62. The incidental contact or B62’s initiating contact does not constitute part of a combination block, and hence there is no chop block.

Leverage and Leaping

ARTICLE 11.

a. No defensive player, in an attempt to gain an advantage, may step, jump or stand on an opponent.

b. It is a foul if a defensive player moves forward and tries to block a kick or apparent kick on a field goal or try by leaving their feet and leaping into the plane directly above the frame of the body of an opponent.

It is not a foul if the player was aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped.

c. It is a foul if a defensive player who is inside the tackle box tries to block a punt or an apparent punt by leaving their feet and leaping into the plane directly above the frame of the body of an opponent.

1. It is not a foul if the player tries to block the punt by jumping straight up without attempting to leap over the opponent.

2. It is not a foul if a player leaps through or over the gap between players.

d. No defensive player, in an attempt to block, bat or catch a kick or apparent kick, may:

1. Step, jump or stand on a teammate.

2. Place a hand(s) on a teammate to get leverage for additional height.

3. Be picked up by a teammate, or be elevated, propelled or pushed.

PENALTY [a-d]—15 yards, previous spot and automatic first down. [S38]

e. No player may position themselves with their feet on the back or shoulders of a teammate before the snap.

PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules [S27].

Contact Against an Opponent Out of the Play

ARTICLE 12.

a. No player shall tackle or run into a receiver when a forward pass to that receiver is obviously not catchable. This is a personal foul and not pass interference.

b. No player shall run into or throw themselves against an opponent obviously out of the play either before or after the ball is dead.

Hurdling

ARTICLE 13. There shall be no hurdling (Exception: The ball carrier may hurdle an opponent).

Contact Against the Snapper

ARTICLE 14. When a team is in scrimmage kick formation, a defensive player may not initiate contact with the snapper until one second has elapsed after the snap.

Approved Ruling 9-1-14 I. A10 is in a shotgun-type formation 7-1/2 yards behind the snapper, who has his head down and is looking backward through his legs. Immediately after the snap, nose guard B55 charges directly at the snapper and contacts him by pushing him backward. RULING: Legal. The snapper is not afforded any special protection because Team A is not in a scrimmage kick formation, since A10 is not at least 10 yards deep (Rule 2-16-10). The snapper does have the usual protection against any personal foul for unnecessary roughness.

Approved Ruling 9-1-14 II. Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation with the punter 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Immediately after the snap, nose guard B55 charges directly at the snapper, contacts him, and drives him backward. The ball is snapped to an upback three yards behind the scrimmage line or to the potential kicker, who instead runs with or passes the ball. RULING: Foul. Penalty—15 yards and automatic first down. The snapper may not be contacted until one second has elapsed after the snap when Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation.

Approved Ruling 9-1-14 III. Immediately after the snap, with Team A in a scrimmage kick formation, B71 is lined up within one yard of the line of scrimmage and is outside of the frame of the snapper. B71 attempts to “shoot the gap” between the snapper and the adjacent lineman. B71’s initial legal contact is with the lineman next to the snapper. RULING: Legal. Incidental contact with the snapper after this initial legal contact is not a foul (Rule 2-16-10).

Horse Collar Tackle

ARTICLE 15. All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, the nameplate area, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and abruptly pulling the ball carrier down. This does apply to a ball carrier, including a potential passer, who is inside the tackle box (Rule 2-34). 

Approved Ruling 9-1-15 I. As ball carrier A20 races down field near the sideline, defender B56 grabs him from behind by the back of the jersey at the collar or by the collar of his shoulder pad. B56 continues with this contact for several yards but A20 does not go to the ground until tackled by another defender. RULING: Legal play. B56 did not foul because he did not abruptly pull A20 down.

Roughing or Running Into Kicker or Holder

ARTICLE 16.

a. When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the holder of a place kick.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 I. A1 catches a long snap and plans to punt from behind his line of scrimmage but misses the ball, which falls to the ground. A1 is then contacted by B1. RULING: Team A fumble. No foul by B1. There is no kicker until the ball is kicked.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 III. A1, from a non-scrimmage kick formation, makes a quick, unexpected kick so suddenly that B1 cannot avoid contact. RULING: This is not roughing or running into the kicker since the rule applies only when it is obvious that a kick will be made.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 VI. Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation. Punter A1 moves laterally two or three steps to recover a faulty snap, or recovers a snap that went over his head, and then kicks the ball. B2 contacts A1 in an unsuccessful attempt to block the kick. RULING: A1 does not automatically lose his protection in either case unless he carries or possesses the ball outside the tackle box or more than five yards behind his original position at the snap. While in the tackle box A1 is entitled to protection as in any other kicking situation. When it becomes obvious that A1 intends to kick in a normal punting position, defensive players must avoid him after he kicks the ball.

1. Roughing is a live-ball personal foul that endangers the kicker or holder.

2. Running into the kicker or holder is a live-ball foul that occurs when the kicker or holder is displaced from their kicking or holding position but is not roughed.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 II. A1 kicks the ball, after which B1, unable to stop his attempt to block the kick, makes contact with the kicker or holder. RULING: This action could be either “Roughing” or “Running into” the kicker or holder. When in question, the ruling is to be “roughing,” which carries a penalty of 15 yards and an automatic first down.

3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.

4. The kicker’s protection under this rule ends (a) when the kicker has had a reasonable time to regain their balance; or (b) when the kicker carries or possesses the ball outside the tackle box (Rule 2-34) before kicking; or (c) when the kicker carries or possesses the ball more than five yards behind the kicker’s initial position at the snap from scrimmage kick formation.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 IV. B1 runs into player A1, who has kicked the ball and has had a reasonable time to regain his balance. RULING: Not a foul by B1 unless ruled as running into or throwing himself against an opponent obviously out of the play (Rule 9-1-12).

5. When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block (legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.

6. A player who makes contact with the kicker or holder after touching the kick is not charged with running into or roughing the kicker.

7. When a player other than one who blocks a scrimmage kick runs into or roughs the kicker or holder, it is a foul.

8. When in question whether the foul is running into or roughing, the foul is roughing.

PENALTY—Roughing or any other personal foul against the kicker who is in the act or just after kicking the ball or roughing the holder: 15 yards from the previous spot, plus automatic first down if not in conflict with other rules [S38 and S30]. Running into the kicker or holder: 5 yards from the previous spot [S30].

b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act.

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 V. After B1 runs into the kicker, kicker A25 simulates being roughed. RULING: Offsetting fouls.

PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot or, if the scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone, can be enforced where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B [S27].

c. The kicker of a free kick may not be blocked until they have advanced five yards beyond their restraining line, or until the ball has touched a player, an official or the ground.

PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot [S40].

Approved Ruling 9-1-16 VII. Punter A22 is 15 yards behind the neutral zone when he catches the long snap, sprints to his right at an angle toward the line of scrimmage, and runs outside the tackle box. He then stops and punts the ball, and (a) is immediately hit by a diving B89; or (b) is immediately hit by B89, and B89 is guilty of targeting. RULING: (a) Legal play, no foul by B89. A22 loses his roughing or running-into protection by carrying the ball outside the tackle box. (b) Even though the kicker is outside the tackle box, targeting is a personal foul and the penalty will be enforced at the previous spot.

Continued Participation Without Helmet

ARTICLE 17. A player whose helmet comes completely off during a down may not continue to participate beyond the immediate action in which they are engaged, whether or not the player puts the helmet back on during the down.

Approved Ruling 9-1-17 I. During a down B55’s helmet comes off without a helmet foul by Team A. B55 immediately picks up his helmet, puts it on and continues to chase the ball carrier. RULING: Personal foul by B55 for continuing to participate after losing his helmet. The clock stops at the end of the down and B55 must leave the game for the next down. (Rule 3-3-10)

Blind-Side Block

ARTICLE 18. No player shall deliver a blind-side block by attacking an opponent with forcible contact. (Exceptions: (1) the runner; (2) a receiver in the act of attempting to make a catch.) Note: In addition, if this action meets all the elements of targeting, it is a blind-slide block with targeting (Rule 9-1-3 and 9-1-4).

Approved Ruling 9-1-18 I. B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up-field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind side and blocks A88 (a) with extended hands; (b) with a screen type block; (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88; (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the pass to the A-20. RULING: (a) No foul. (b) No foul. (c) Personal Foul, blind-side block, 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. (d) Personal Foul, Blind-Side Block with Targeting, 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul and B21 is disqualified.

SECTION 2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls

Unsportsmanlike Acts

ARTICLE 1. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods. Infractions for these acts by players are administered as either live-ball or dead-ball fouls depending on when they occur.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 I. Team B scores a touchdown on a kickoff return, and substitutes from the Team B area, with no intention of entering the game, run to the end zone to congratulate the ball carrier. RULING: Unsportsmanlike act. Penalty—15 yards, enforced on the try, the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding spot in extra periods. Officials should note the numbers of the offending players, for possible ejection later in the game upon committing a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul (9-2-1a-Penalty).

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 II. Third and 15 at the B-20. Eligible A88 catches a pass at the B-18 and heads for the goal line. At the B-10 he goes into a “goose step” and continues this action as he crosses the goal line. RULING: Live-ball foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Fifteen-yard penalty enforced at the spot of the foul, which is the B-10, and repeat third down. Third and 20 at the B-25.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 III. Second and 5 at the B-40. Back A22 takes a backward pass from the quarterback, circles right end, and heads for the goal line. Guard A66, who had pulled out to lead the play, legally blocks B90 to the ground and then stands over him at the B-30 taunting and screaming obscenities. This draws a flag from the head linesman, when A22 is at the B-10 before continuing into the end zone. RULING: Live-ball foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Fifteen-yard penalty enforced at the spot of the foul, which is the B-30, and repeat second down. Second and 10 at the B-45.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 IV. Third and 15 at the B-20. Eligible A88 catches a pass at the B-18 and heads for the goal line. Very close to the goal line he dives into the end zone, with no Team B player closer than about 10 yards. The field judge is uncertain of the exact spot where A88 started his diving action. RULING: Foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul: The touchdown counts and the penalty is enforced on the try, the succeeding kickoff, or from the succeeding spot in extra periods.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 V. Second and seven at the B-30. Nose guard B55 is lined up in the neutral zone at the snap. Back A22 takes the ball on a quick play up the middle, bursts into the open, and at the B-10 he turns around prances backward into the end zone. The head linesman and the line judge both have flags for the offside foul, and the back judge drops his flag for the action by A22. RULING: Offsetting fouls, repeat the down. Second and seven at the B-30.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 VI. First and 10 at the 50. The quarterback pitches out to running back A44 who circles right end and races toward the goal line. The line judge trailing the play flags linebacker B57 for screaming obscenities at him, complaining that he was held by the tight end. A44 scores a touchdown. RULING: Live–ball unsportsmanlike conduct against B57. The penalty carries over to either the try or the kickoff, at the option of Team A.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 VII. Third and 15 at the A-45. A12 drops back to pass and is sacked by tackle B77 for a 10-yard loss. B77 leaps to his feet, beats his chest, stands over A12 and taunts him, and showboats to the crowd, drawing flags from the referee and the line judge. RULING: Dead-ball unsportsmanlike conduct by B77. Fifteen-yard penalty at the dead-ball spot plus automatic first down. First and 10 for Team A at the 50.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 VIII. Safety B33 intercepts a pass at the B-10 and returns for a touchdown. As he is coming down the sideline covering the play the line judge drops his flag after he runs into the Team B head coach who is just on the field of play near the B-40. RULING: Although this is a foul that takes place while the ball is alive, it is treated as a dead-ball foul against the team because it is committed by a non-player. The touchdown counts and the 15-yard penalty is enforced on the try, the succeeding kickoff, or from the succeeding spot in extra periods.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 IX. Second and five at the A-45. Ball carrier A33 breaks out into the open and has a clear path to the goal line. At the B-2 he suddenly makes a sharp left turn and trots along the B-2 as the Team B players begin to catch up to him. He then carries the ball into the end zone. A33 next runs to the stands and begins to exchange “high-fives” with the fans. RULING: No score. A33 is charged with two fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct, one live-ball and the other dead-ball. Both 15-yard penalties are enforced and A33 is ejected from the game. First and 10 for Team A at the B-32. (Rule 9-2-6)

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 X. After the ball carrier is tackled, A55 and B73 engage in a scuffle such that officials have to separate them and throw flags. Both A55 and B73 are charged with dead-ball personal fouls. RULING: Offsetting dead-ball fouls. Each player is also charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct foul which counts toward the two such fouls leading to automatic ejection. The referee announces either the first or second unsportsmanlike conduct foul for A55 and B73.

a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:

1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the image of the game, including but not limited to:

(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.

(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.

(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the ear to request recognition.

(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon themself (or themselves).

(e) An unopposed ball carrier obviously altering stride when approaching the opponent’s goal line or diving into the end zone.

(f) A player removing their helmet after the ball is dead and before they are in the team area (Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a measurement for a first down).

(g) Punching one’s own chest or crossing one’s arms in front of the chest while standing over a prone player.

(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or bowing at the waist after a good play.

(i) Intentionally removing the helmet while the ball is alive.

(j) Dead-ball contact fouls such as pushing, shoving, striking, etc. that occur clearly after the ball is dead and that are not part of the game action. 

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 X. After the ball carrier is tackled, A55 and B73 engage in a scuffle such that officials have to separate them and throw flags. Both A55 and B73 are charged with dead-ball personal fouls. RULING: Offsetting dead-ball fouls. Each player is also charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct foul which counts toward the two such fouls leading to automatic ejection. The referee announces either the first or second unsportsmanlike conduct foul for A55 and B73.

(k) After the ball is dead, using forcible contact to push or pull an opponent off the pile. 

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 XI. During the play, the ball carrier fumbles and several players dive for the ball. B55 grabs A33 and slings him off the pile. RULING: B55 is charged with a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. 15 yards and automatic first down. The referee announces that this is either the first or second unsportsmanlike conduct foul against B55. If it is the second, B55 is ejected from the game.

PENALTY—Unsportsmanlike conduct. Live-ball fouls by players: 15 yards [S27]. Live-ball fouls by non-players and all dead-ball fouls: 15 yards from succeeding spot [S7 and S27]. Automatic first down for live-ball and dead-ball fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders, if players or substitutes, shall be ejected [S47].

For Team A fouls during free or scrimmage kick plays: Enforcement may be at the previous spot or, if the scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone, the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (field-goal plays exempted) (Rules 6-1-8 and 6-3-13).

For Team B unsportsmanlike conduct fouls during a legal forward pass play (Rules 7-3-12 and 10-2-2e): Enforcement is at the end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of team possession during the down. If the pass is incomplete or intercepted, or if there is a change of team possession during the down, the penalty is enforced at the previous spot.

2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot. This prohibits:

(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.

(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2f)].

(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.

(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.

PENALTY—Unsportsmanlike conduct. Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S27]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders, if players or substitutes, shall be ejected [S47].

b. Other prohibited acts include:

1. During the game, coaches, squad members, and authorized attendants in the team area may not be on the field of play or outside the 20-yard lines to protest an officiating decision or to communicate with players or officials without permission from the referee. (Exceptions: Rules 1-2-4f, 3-3-4d, 3-3-9c, and 3-5-1).

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 XII. During a dead-ball time, a head coach or an assistant coach is flagged for coming out to the numbers and cursing the officials in a loud and abusive manner. RULING: The officials charge either the head coach or the assistant coach with a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee announces that this is either the first or second unsportsmanlike conduct foul against the coach in question. If it is the second, the coach in question is ejected from the game.

2. No ejected person shall be in view of the field of play (Rule 9-2-6).

3. No person or mascot subject to the rules, except players, officials and eligible substitutes, shall be on the field of play or end zones during any period without permission from the referee. If a player is injured, attendants may come inbounds to attend him, but they must obtain recognition from an official.

4. No substitute(s) may enter the field of play or end zones for purposes other than replacing a player(s) or to fill a player vacancy(ies). This includes demonstrations after any play.

Approved Ruling 9-2-1 I. Team B scores a touchdown on a kickoff return, and substitutes from the Team B area, with no intention of entering the game, run to the end zone to congratulate the ball carrier. RULING: Unsportsmanlike act. Penalty—15 yards, enforced on the try, the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding spot in extra periods. Officials should note the numbers of the offending players, for possible ejection later in the game upon committing a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul (9-2-1a Penalty).

5. Persons subject to the rules, including bands and audio/video/lighting systems operators, shall not create any noise or distraction that prohibits a team from hearing its signals or obstructs play (Rule 1-1-6).

PENALTY [1-4]—Unsportsmanlike conduct. Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S27]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders, if players or substitutes, shall be ejected [S47].

PENALTY [5]—Unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee may take any action they consider equitable, which includes directing that the down be repeated, including assessing a 15-yard penalty, awarding a score, or suspending or forfeiting the game [S27].

Unfair Tactics

ARTICLE 2.

a. No player shall conceal the ball in or beneath their clothing or equipment or substitute any other article for the ball.

b. No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 3-5-2e). This includes any hideout tactic with or without substitution.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 I. After the ball is ready for play, Team A goes into a formation with two players split wide on both sides of the snapper and two other Team A linemen adjacent to the snapper. No more than four players are legally in the backfield. Team A sends in two substitutes, who take positions on the line of scrimmage adjacent to the two split offensive linemen on the opposite side of the field of play from their team bench. This leaves Team A with nine players on the line of scrimmage and four backfield players all legally in position. Immediately and before the snap, two Team A linemen nearest their team’s bench leave the field of play and are off at the snap. Seven players are on the line of scrimmage, five of whom are Team A linemen numbered 50 to 79. RULING: Penalty—15 yards from the previous spot. This is a simulated replacement of a player to confuse the opponents.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 II. On fourth down at Team B’s 12-yard line, A1 enters the field of play with a kicking shoe while his 11 teammates are in the huddle. A1 kneels and measures the distance from the neutral zone to the kicking spot. While his teammates are leaving the huddle, A1 leaves the field of play with the shoe. Team A quickly runs a play from scrimmage. RULING: Team A foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalty—15 yards from the previous spot. There shall be no simulated replacement of a player to confuse the opponents, and a player who communicates must remain in the game for one down.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 III. A1 leaves the field of play during a down. Team A huddles with 10 players. Substitute A12 enters, and A2 simulates leaving the field but sets near the sideline for a “hide-out’’ pass. RULING: Penalty—15 yards from the previous spot. This is a simulated replacement of a player to confuse opponents.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 IV. While a team is legally set to attempt a field goal, the potential holder for the kick goes toward his team area asking for a shoe. A shoe is thrown on the field and the player, in motion toward his team area, turns toward the goal line. The ball is snapped to the player in the kicking position, who throws a pass to the player who had turned up field after asking for a shoe. RULING: Penalty—15 yards from the previous spot.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 V. Team A is lined up in scrimmage kick formation and has been set for one second. One of the offensive backs shouts to and motions to A40, the blocker on the right wing, to get off the field. At the snap, A40 is in legal motion toward his sideline. A40 turns downfield and becomes a pass receiver. RULING: Penalty—15 yards from the previous spot. This is a tactic associated with the substitution process to deceive opponents.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 VI. After the down is over, Team A sends in three substitutes, and three players begin to leave the field. A88, who participated in the previous play, trails the three replaced players toward the Team A sideline. The three replaced players continue into the team area, but A88 stops and sets up on the line of scrimmage very close to the sideline. After the ball is snapped A88 runs down the sideline and catches a forward pass. RULING: Team A foul at the snap, unsportsmanlike conduct for unfair tactics: using the substitution process to deceive the opponents. Live-ball foul. Penalty: 15 yards at the previous spot.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 VII. 4/10 @ A-35. As Team A begins substitutions for a potential punt, it is discovered that Team A has assigned three players wearing the number 2. RULING: Unsportsmanlike Conduct charged against the head coach. After enforcement, 4/25 @ A-20. This counts toward the two Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls that leads to automatic ejection.

c. No equipment may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 1-4-2d).

d. Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game.

PENALTY [a-d]— Team unsportsmanlike conduct. Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be ejected [S47].

e. No more than two Squad Members may be assigned or wear the same jersey number.

PENALTY—Unsportsmanlike Conduct charged against the Head Coach and the players must immediately correct the numbering and report the change. Administer as a dead ball foul - 15 yards [S27].

f. No player may play with cleats more than 1/2-inch in length (Rules 1-4-7d).

PENALTY—Ejection for the remainder of the game and the team’s next game [S27 and S47]. Administer as a dead-ball foul; 15-yard penalty enforced at the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Team timeout. VIOLATION—Rules 3-3-7 and 3-4-2b [S23, S3 or S23, S21]. If the ejection occurs during the last game of a season, players with eligibility remaining will serve the next-game ejection during the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.

g. The referee will notify (in writing) their assigning agent of all ejections for illegal cleats. The assigning agency becomes responsible for implementation of the penalty.

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 VIII. 4/1 @ B-40. QB A12 moves from shotgun formation to under center and barks signals in an unsuccessful attempt to draw Team B offside. With 10 seconds remaining on the play clock, A12 backs away from the center and jogs toward the sideline being very demonstrative with his arms and waiving to the bench. As A12 approaches the sideline, the ball is snapped directly to back A44 just before the play clock expires and A44 runs to the B-38. RULING: A, 4/16 @ A-45 - Unsportsmanlike Conduct by A12, penalize Team A 15 yards from the previous spot. The action by A12 is in violation of the spirit of Rule 9-2-2b.. 

Approved Ruling 9-2-2 IX. 1st and 10 @ A40. Team A snaps from the left hash, opposite their team area. A81 is flanked out to the left side of the formation and goes in motion back toward the ball. After the snap, A21 takes the handoff and runs for 3-yards behind the left tackle. A81 never breaks stride and is inside the hash when the ball is declared dead and continues toward the Team A team area simulating leaving the field. A81 sets near the sideline for a "hide-out" pass. Team A does not substitute and just after the next snap, A12 throws a TD pass to A81 who is running just the boundary. Ruling: Team A foul at the snap, unsportsmanlike conduct for unfair tactics: using the substitution process to confuse opponents. Live ball foul. Penalty: 15 yards from the previous spot.

Unfair Acts

ARTICLE 3. The following are unfair acts:

a. A team refuses to play within two minutes after ordered to do so by the referee.

b. A team repeatedly commits fouls for which penalties can be enforced only by halving the distance to its goal line.

c. An obviously unfair act not specifically covered by the rules occurs during the game. This includes substitutes, coaches or any other persons subject to the rules, other than a player or official, interfering in any way with the ball or a player while the ball is in play.

Approved Ruling 4-2-1 II. Ball carrier A1 is running inbounds near the sideline when he is contacted by a squad member of Team B, who is on the sideline. RULING: Rule 4-2-1 states a player is out of bounds when any part of his person touches anything other than a player or an official. Penalty—15 yards or other unfair-action game administration-interference penalties (Rules 9-2-3 and 9-2-5).

Approved Ruling 9-2-3 I. After the ball is ready for play and the umpire (or center judge) is in his regular position, Team A quickly replaces some players with substitutes, gets set for the required one second and snaps the ball. The umpire (or center judge) is attempting to get to the ball to allow the defense to match up, but he is unable to prevent the snap. RULING: The play is shut down, the game clock is stopped and the defense is allowed to substitute in response to Team A’s late substitutions. No foul. The play clock is set to 25 seconds and starts on the ready-for-play signal. The game clock starts on the ready-for-play signal or the snap, depending on its condition when play was stopped. The referee informs the Team A head coach that any subsequent such actions will result in a foul against the team for unsportsmanlike conduct. (Rule 3-5-2)

Approved Ruling 9-2-3 IV. 1/10 @ A-25 with 0:01 remaining in the game and Team A trails by 5 points. A12 throws a pass that is complete to A88 at midfield. After the catch by A88, there are a series of legal backwards passes keeping the ball alive in Team A possession. Eventually A21 laterals the ball toward teammate A44, and the ball hits the ground with no recovery. The Team B bench thinking that the ball is dead rushes the field and many squad members are on the field. A44 recovers the ball and begins running and encounters heavy traffic with the Team B squad members on the field, reverses field and is finally tackled by B50 at the B-30. RULING: No substitute, coach or any person subject to the rules, other than a player or official may interfere in any way with the ball or a player while the ball is in play. This unfair act will be penalized 15 yards as a live ball foul. The Referee may enforce any penalty that they consider equitable, including awarding a score.

PENALTY— Unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee may take any action they consider equitable, which includes directing that the down be repeated, including assessing a 15-yard penalty, awarding a score, or suspending or forfeiting the game [S27].

Approved Ruling 9-2-3 II. Team A, trailing by nine points, has 1st-and-10 on the B-22 with 0:35 showing on the game clock. At the snap, B21, B40 and B44 blatantly hold, wrapping both arms around Team A’s wideouts and take them to the ground. Quarterback A12 has no receiver in the route, scrambles and then legally throws the ball away. After the play, the game clock reads 0:26. The back judge, field judge and side judge have a flag down for Team B holding on each of their keys. RULING: This is a blatant and obvious unfair act designed to take time off the clock. The referee will convert the holding fouls to an unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. Penalize half the distance to the goal. Team A will have 1st and 10 at the B-11. The game clock is reset to 0:35 and starts on the next snap. B21, B40 and B44 each have one unsportsmanlike foul counter.

Approved Ruling 9-2-3 III. Team A, ahead in the score by four points, has 4th-and-10 at the A-30 with 0:14 seconds remaining in the game. From a shotgun formation, A12 receives the snap, retreats back toward his own goal line, and moves out of the tackle box. At the snap, each Team A lineman blatantly holds the Team B player in front of them, preventing the defensive linemen from immediately rushing the passer. When rushers approach A12 he throws the ball high so that it lands beyond the line of scrimmage and out of bounds. When the pass hits the ground, the game clock reads 0:00. The umpire, center judge (if applicable) and referee each have a flag on the ground for holding on Team A. RULING: This is a blatant and obvious unfair act designed to take time off of the clock. The referee will convert the holding fouls to unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. Penalize Team A 15 yards from the previous spot. Team A will have 4th and 25 at the A-15. The game clock is reset to 0:14 and starts on the next snap. Each Team A lineman guilty of holding will have one unsportsmanlike foul counter.

Contacting an Official

ARTICLE 4. Persons subject to the rules (Rule 1-1-6) shall not intentionally contact a game official forcibly during the game.

PENALTY— Unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot and automatic ejection. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S7, S27 and S47].

Game Administration and Sideline Interference

ARTICLE 5. While the ball is alive and during the continuing action after the ball has been declared dead:

a. Coaches, substitutes and authorized attendants in the team area must be behind the coaching line.

PENALTY—Administer as a dead-ball foul. First infraction: Warning for sideline interference. No yardage penalty. [S15]

Second and third infractions: Delay of game for sideline interference, five yards from the succeeding spot. [S21 and S29]

Fourth and subsequent infractions: Team unsportsmanlike conduct for sideline interference, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27 and S29]

b. Physical interference with an official is a foul charged to the team for unsportsmanlike conduct. 

Approved Ruling 9-2-5 I. On the opening kickoff, B22 catches the kick at his goal line and returns the ball down the sideline on Team B’s side of the field. As he moves down the sideline officiating the play, the side judge either runs into or must run around a Team B coach or squad member in the restricted area (“the white”). B22 is driven out of bounds at the A-20. RULING: Either situation is physical interference with an official during the play. No warning. Team B foul for unsportsmanlike conduct administered as a dead-ball foul. After the 15-yard penalty, Team B will have first and 10 at the A-35.

PENALTY—Team unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27]

Approved Ruling 9-2-5 II. During a long kickoff return, the Side Judge has to stop and run around the head coach who is out of the coaching box in the restricted area or on the field of play near the sideline. RULING: Team foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. Penalize 15 yards at the succeeding spot. This is a team foul, and is not charged as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against the head coach.

Approved Ruling 9-2-5 III. During a long kickoff return, the head coach and/or other coaches are outside the coaching box and are in the restricted area or on the field of play near the sideline. No physical interference is made with an official during the play. RULING: Administer as a dead-ball foul. First infraction: Warning for sideline interference. No yardage penalty. Second and third infractions: Delay of game for sideline interference, five yards from the succeeding spot. Fourth and subsequent infractions: Team unsportsmanlike conduct foul for sideline interference. Penalize 15 yards at the succeeding spot. This is a team foul, and is not charged as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against any coach.

Ejected Players and Coaches

ARTICLE 6.

a. Any coach, player or identified squad member in uniform who commits two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls in the same game shall be ejected.

b. A player ejected from the game (Rule 2-27-12) must leave the playing enclosure under team supervision within a reasonable amount of time after their ejection. The player must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision for the remainder of the game.

c. A player serving a first-half suspension due to their ejection in the team’s previous game may participate in pre-game warm-up activities. During the first half that player must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision.

d. A coach ejected from the game must leave the playing enclosure within a reasonable amount of time after the ejection and must remain out of view of the field of play for the remainder of the game.

e. A head coach ejected from the game may designate a new head coach.

Approved Ruling 9-2-6 I. During a long kickoff return, the head coach of the kicking team comes onto the field of play, vigorously and angrily protesting that there should have been a flag for holding by the receiving team during the return. RULING: Unsportsmanlike conduct foul against the head coach. Administer as a dead-ball foul. Penalize 15 yards at the succeeding spot. This counts as one of the unsportsmanlike conduct fouls against the head coach. If this were his second foul for unsportsmanlike conduct, the head coach would be ejected from the game. A head coach ejected from the game may designate a new head coach. 

Approved Ruling 9-2-6 II. 3rd and 10 @ B40. Late in the 3rd quarter in a very chippy game, QB A12 scrambles down the sideline and turns toward the boundary at the B15, steps out of bounds at that point and then is hit hard by B21. All players from both benches empty and there is a large scrum with much pushing, shoving, etc. Officials work to restore order, and after some time, both teams return to their team areas. The officials huddle after order is restored and identify B21, B55, A44 and A54 as fighting. Additionally, the crew charges every Team A and Team B player with an unsportsmanlike conduct foul. A88 (a) was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct previously in the game; (b) is penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct early in the 4th quarter. Ruling: Team A will have 1st and 10 @ B15 as all the dead ball personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct foul penalties cancel and B21, B55, A44, and A54 are ejected (Rule 10-1-5). Every remaining player for each team will have an unsportsmanlike conduct counter. Officials should use the "all players are issued a UNS" situation very sparingly and only in situations where we cannot identify specific players involved in action and when there is danger of losing control of the game. A88 (a) is ejected following the play as this becomes his second unsportsmanlike conduct foul for the game; (b) is ejected after the play in the 4th quarter as this becomes his unsportsmanlike conduct foul for the game.

Use of Tobacco

ARTICLE 7. Players, squad members and game personnel (e.g., coaches, athletics trainers, managers and game officials) are prohibited from using tobacco products from the time the officials assume jurisdiction until the referee declares the game over.

PENALTY—Ejection. Dead-ball foul. 15 yards at the succeeding spot [S27 and S47].

SECTION 3. Blocking, Use of Hands or Arms

Who May Block

ARTICLE 1. Players of either team may block opponents, provided it is not pass interference, interference with the opportunity to catch a kick or a personal foul (Exception: Rules 6-1-12 and 6-5-4).

Interfering for or Helping the Ball Carrier or Passer

ARTICLE 2.

a. The ball carrier or passer may use their hand or arm to ward off or push opponents.

b. The ball carrier shall not grasp a teammate; and no other teammate shall grasp, pull, or lift the ball carrier to assist in forward progress. 

Approved Ruling 9-3-2 I. In trying to gain yardage, ball carrier A44 is slowed by defensive players attempting to make the tackle. Back A22 (a) puts his hands on the buttocks of A44 and pushes him forward; (b) pushes the pile of teammates who begin to surround A44; (c) grabs the arm of A44 and tries to pull him forward for more yardage. RULING: (a) and (b) Legal. It is not a foul to push the ball carrier or the pile. (c) Foul for assisting the runner. Five-yard penalty with three-and-one enforcement. (Rule 9-3-2b)

c. Teammates of the ball carrier or passer may interfere with opponents by blocking but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one another in any manner while contacting an opponent.

PENALTY—Five yards [S44].

Holding and Use of Hands or Arms: Offense

ARTICLE 3.

a. Use of Hands. A teammate of a ball carrier or a passer legally may block with their shoulders, their hands, the outer surface of their arms or any other part of their body under the following provisions.

1. The hand(s) shall be:

(a) In advance of the elbow.

(b) Inside the frame of the opponent’s body (Exception: When the opponent turns their back to the blocker).

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VI. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2’s back when B2 spins to avoid A2. A2 keeps his hands on B2’s back while B2 advances toward the passer. RULING: Legal block.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VII. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2 when B2 spins to avoid blocker A2, whose hands then contact B2’s back. After A2’s hands lose contact with B2, A2 advances and pushes B2 in the back. RULING: Illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards. Enforce at the previous spot if foul occurs behind the neutral zone (Rule 2-3-4). Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

(c) At or below the shoulder(s) of the blocker and the opponent (Exception: When the opponent squats, ducks or submarines).

(d) Apart and never in a locked position.

2. The hand(s) shall be open with the palm(s) facing the frame of the opponent or closed or cupped with the palms not facing the opponent.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 I. A6 is advancing the ball. During the run, A12 vigorously blocks B2 with a rough push in the back above the waist. RULING: Illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 II. A teammate of the passer or ball carrier, while charging across the neutral zone, contacts an opponent with his hands and arms not parallel to the ground or his hands cupped or closed but with the palms not facing the opponent. RULING: Legal use of hands.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 III. A teammate of the passer or ball carrier, behind the neutral zone, has his arms parallel to the ground and contacts an opponent above the shoulders. RULING: Illegal use of hands. Penalty—10 yards or 15 yards for personal foul, previous-spot enforcement. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 IV. A teammate of the passer or ball carrier delivers a blow with the hand(s) closed to an opponent below the shoulders. RULING: Personal foul. Penalty—15 yards. Enforce at the previous spot if foul occurs behind the neutral zone. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VI. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2’s back when B2 spins to avoid A2. A2 keeps his hands on B2’s back while B2 advances toward the passer. RULING: Legal block.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VII. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2 when B2 spins to avoid blocker A2, whose hands then contact B2’s back. After A2’s hands lose contact with B2, A2 advances and pushes B2 in the back. RULING: Illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards. Enforce at the previous spot if foul occurs behind the neutral zone (Rule 2-3-4). Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VIII. A1 in, beyond or behind the neutral zone contacts an opponent with an open hand or with hands closed or cupped and palms not facing the opponent. RULING: Legal block.

b. Holding. The hand(s) and arm(s) shall not be used to grasp, pull, hook, clamp or encircle in any way that illegally impedes or illegally obstructs an opponent.

PENALTY—10 yards Penalties for Team A fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line [S42].

c. Kicking Team. A player on the kicking team may:

1. During a scrimmage kick play, use their hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off an opponent attempting to block them when they are beyond the neutral zone.

2. During a free kick play, use their hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off an opponent who is attempting to block them.

3. During a scrimmage kick play or a free kick play, when they are eligible to touch the ball, legally use their hand(s) and/or arm(s) to push an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball.

d. Passing Team. An eligible player of the passing team legally may use their hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off or push an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball after a legal forward pass has been touched by any player or official (Rules 7-3-5, 7-3-8, 7-3-9 and 7-3-11).

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 V. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2 in a legal block. B2 spins to avoid blocker A2, whose hands then contact B2’s back. RULING: Legal block.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 IX. A12 takes the snap and retreats to pass. Defensive end B95 gets past A75 and is about to tackle A12, who is still inside the tackle box. A75 pushes B95 in the back at the numbers to prevent him from making the tackle. A12’s pass is complete for a touchdown. RULING: Touchdown counts. No foul by A75. Such continuing action involving pass protection while the passer remains inside the tackle box are within the spirit of the exception to Rule 9-3-6 and are thus legal. However, if this is a totally separate action and a new block outside the blocking zone, it is a foul for a block in the back.

Holding and Use of Hands or Arms: Defense

ARTICLE 4.

a. Defensive players may use hands and arms to push, pull, ward off or lift offensive players:

1. When attempting to reach the runner.

2. Who are obviously attempting to block them.

b. A defensive player legally may use their hands or arms to ward off or block an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball (Rule 9-1-5 Exception 3 and 9-1-5 Exception 4 and Rule 9-3-5 Exception 3 and 9-3-5 Exception 5):

1. During a backward pass, fumble or kick that they are eligible to touch.

2. During any forward pass that crossed the neutral zone and has been touched by any player or official.

c. When making no attempt to get at the ball or the runner, defensive players must comply with Article 9-3-3a and 9-3-3b above.

d. Defensive players may not use hands and arms to tackle, hold or otherwise illegally obstruct an opponent other than a runner.

e. Defensive players may ward off or legally block an eligible pass receiver until that player occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent could not possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal.

Approved Ruling 9-3-4 I. Before a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone is thrown, Team B holds eligible A1, who is beyond the neutral zone. RULING: Team B foul, holding. Penalty—10 yards and automatic first down, previous-spot enforcement.

Approved Ruling 9-3-4 II. 3/15 @ B-45. QB A12 drops back and looks downfield for A88 who is the primary receiver and defender B21 is holding A88 at the B-35. A12 throws a forward pass to his checkdown receiver A44 but the ball falls incomplete at the B-46. RULING: A, 1/10, B-35, Snap. The penalty for B21’s holding foul is enforced 10 yards from the previous spot and an automatic 1st down. Holding by defense carries an automatic first down.

Approved Ruling 9-3-4 III 4/12 @ A-35. Team A lines up in scrimmage kick formation and intends to punt. Immediately after the snap, B55 grabs RT A77 and pulls him to the side and B21 shoots the gap in an attempt to block the punt. The punter gets the punt away and the ball is downed at the B-35. RULING: Holding by B55. This foul occurred before the kick and the penalty is not governed by Post Scrimmage Kick Enforcement. The 10-yard penalty will be enforced from the previous spot and includes an automatic first down. Team A will have 1/10 @ A-45.

Approved Ruling 9-3-4 IV. 4/12 @ A-35. Team A lines up in scrimmage kick formation with gunner A88 flanked out to the right side of the formation. After the snap, B21 jams gunner A88 and then holds him as A88 tries to work free down the field during the kick. The punt is downed at the B-35. RULING: Holding by B21. The penalty for this foul is governed by Post Scrimmage Kick Enforcement and the Post Scrimmage kick spot serves as the basic spot for enforcement. The 10-yard penalty will be enforced from the end of the kick. Team B will have 1/10 @ B-25.

PENALTY [c-e]—10 yards plus automatic first down if the first down is not in conflict with other rules [S42].

Blocking in the Back

ARTICLE 5. A block in the back (other than against the ball carrier) is illegal.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 I. A6 is advancing the ball. During the run, A12 vigorously blocks B2 with a rough push in the back above the waist. RULING: Illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 VII. A2’s hands contact defensive player B2 when B2 spins to avoid blocker A2, whose hands then contact B2’s back. After A2’s hands lose contact with B2, A2 advances and pushes B2 in the back. RULING: Illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards. Enforce at the previous spot if foul occurs behind the neutral zone (Rule 2-3-4). Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line.

Approved Ruling 9-3-3 IX. A12 takes the snap and retreats to pass. Defensive end B95 gets past A75 and is about to tackle A12, who is still inside the tackle box. A75 pushes B95 in the back at the numbers to prevent him from making the tackle. A12’s pass is complete for a touchdown. RULING: Touchdown counts. No foul by A75. Such continuing action involving pass protection while the passer remains inside the tackle box are within the spirit of the exception to Rule 9-3-6 and are thus legal. However, if this is a totally separate action and a new block outside the blocking zone, it is a foul for a block in the back.

Approved Ruling 10-2-2 XII. During the return of a scrimmage kick, B40 blocks A80 in the back above the waist at the B-25. Team B’s ball carrier is downed with the ball in his possession at Team B’s 40-yard line. RULING: Team B foul, illegal block in the back. Penalty—10 yards from the spot of the foul. Team B’s ball, first and 10, from its 15-yard line.

Exceptions:

1. Offensive players who are on the line of scrimmage at the snap within the blocking zone (Rule 2-3-6) may legally block in the back in the blocking zone, subject to the following restrictions:

(a) A player on the line of scrimmage within this blocking zone may not leave the zone, return and block in the back.

(b) The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone (Rule 2-3-6).

2. When a player turns their back to a potential blocker who has committed themselves in intent and direction or movement.

3. When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass, they may push an opponent in the back above the waist (Rule 9-1-5 Exception 3).

4. When the opponent turns their back to the blocker under Rule 9-3-3a-1b.

5. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent in the back above the waist to get to a forward pass (Rule 9-1-5 Exception 4).

PENALTY—10 yards. Penalties for Team A fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line. [S43].

SECTION 4. Batting and Kicking

Batting a Loose Ball

ARTICLE 1.

a. While a pass is in flight, only a player who is eligible to touch the ball may bat it in any direction (Exception: Rule 9-4-2).

b. Any player may block a scrimmage kick in the field of play or the end zone.

c. No player shall bat other loose balls forward in the field of play or in any direction if the ball is in the end zone (Rule 2-2-3a) (Exception: Rule 6-3-11).

Approved Ruling 6-3-11 I. Team A snaps at the 50-yard line and punts. The kick is untouched beyond the neutral zone when A88 reaches across Team B’s goal line and bats the ball back into the field of play, and it rolls out of bounds at the B-4. RULING: No foul for batting the ball in the end zone. Illegal touching. The spot of the violation is the B-20. Team B’s ball, first and 10 at the B-20.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 I. Team A attempts a field goal from Team B’s 30-yard line. A Team B player in the end zone leaps above the crossbar and bats the ball in flight. The ball goes into the end zone and is recovered by Team A. RULING: Foul for batting the ball in the end zone. The result of the play is a touchdown.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 II. Team A attempts a field goal from Team B’s 30-yard line. A Team B player in the end zone leaps above the crossbar and bats the ball in flight. The ball goes into the end zone and is recovered by Team B. RULING: Foul for batting the ball in the end zone. The result of the play is a touchback. Safety if penalty is accepted.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 III. Team A attempts a field goal from Team B’s 30-yard line. A Team B player in the end zone leaps above the crossbar and bats the ball in flight. The ball goes into the field of play. RULING: Foul for batting the ball in the end zone. During regulation play, post-scrimmage kick enforcement gives a safety by penalty. The ball remains alive, and normal scrimmage kick rules apply. Team A may elect the result of the play. If Team A recovers, does not score and accepts the penalty, or if the play occurs in an extra period, enforcement is at the previous spot.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 IV. Team A attempts a place kick on the try. A Team B player in the end zone leaps above the crossbar and bats the ball in flight. The ball goes out of bounds in the end zone. RULING: Foul for batting the ball in the end zone. Penalty—Half the distance from the previous spot. Post-scrimmage kick rules do not apply on the try (Rule 10-2-3).

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 V. Team A attempts a place kick on the try. A Team B player in the end zone leaps above the crossbar and bats the ball in flight. The ball goes into the end zone and is recovered by Team A. RULING: Foul for batting the ball in the end zone. Team A may decline the penalty and scores two points.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 VI. Team A attempts a field goal, and B23, in the end zone, goes above the crossbar and catches the ball. RULING: Legal play.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 VII. Team A’s fumble in flight is batted forward by B1, and the ball goes out of bounds behind Team A’s goal line. RULING: Safety. Batting a fumble in flight does not add a new impetus (Rule 8-7-2b). Team B foul. Penalty—10 yards.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 VIII. Team A’s backward pass in flight is batted by B1, and the ball goes out of bounds behind Team A’s goal line. RULING: Safety. A pass may be batted in any direction and the impetus is charged to Team A’s pass (Rule 8-5-1a).

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 IX. A free kick is muffed in flight by a Team B player in his end zone. While the ball is loose in the end zone, a Team B player bats the ball out of the end zone. RULING: The result of the play is a touchback. Team B foul for illegally batting a ball in the end zone. Penalty—10 yards from the previous spot.

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 X. After intercepting a legal forward pass at the B-20, B1 fumbles at the B-38. At the B-30, B2 illegally bats the loose ball, which goes forward and out of bounds. RULING: Team B foul. Penalty—10 yards from the spot of the foul. Team B’s ball, first and 10 at the 20-yard line. No loss of down is included in the penalty since Team B is awarded a new series after the penalty enforcement (Rule 5-1-1e-1).

Approved Ruling 10-2-2 II. A Team A fumble or backward pass is loose in Team A’s end zone, where A33 kicks or bats the ball. RULING: Penalty—Safety (Rule 8-5-1b).

PENALTY—10 yards and loss of down for fouls by Team A if the loss of down is not in conflict with other rules [S31 and S9] [Exception: No loss of down if the foul occurs when a legal scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral zone].

Batting a Backward Pass in Flight

ARTICLE 2. A backward pass in flight shall not be batted forward by the passing team.

PENALTY—10 yards [S31].

Batting Ball in Possession

ARTICLE 3. A ball in player possession may not be batted forward by a player of that team.

PENALTY—10 yards [S31].

Illegally Kicking Ball

ARTICLE 4. A player shall not kick a loose ball, a forward pass or a ball being held for a place kick by an opponent. These illegal acts do not change the status of the loose ball or forward pass; but if the player holding the ball for a place kick loses possession during a scrimmage down, it is a fumble and a loose ball; if during a free kick, the ball remains dead.

Approved Ruling 8-7-2 IV. Team A free kicks from its 35-yard line. The ball is rolling on the ground on Team B’s three-yard line when B10 kicks the ball into the end zone and over the end line. RULING: Safety, due to the new impetus by B10. Team B foul for illegally kicking the ball. If the penalty (10 yards) is accepted, the down is repeated with the free kick at the A-45. (Rules 9-4-4 and 10-2-2d-4)

Approved Ruling 9-4-1 XI. Team A is prepared to kick off. The ball is on the tee and the referee has signaled it ready for play. As the kicker approaches the ball it begins to roll off the tee just as he starts his kicking motion. The kicker follows through and kicks the ball as it continues to roll off or near the tee. RULING: No foul. This is not a violation of either 9-4-4 or 9-2-1a-2a. The officials should stop play and have the teams line up for a new kickoff. If weather conditions dictate, Team A should have a player hold the ball on the tee.

PENALTY—10 yards, plus loss of down for fouls by Team A if the loss of down is not in conflict with other rules [S31 and S9] (Exception: No loss of down if the foul occurs when a legal scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral zone).

Approved Ruling 9-4-4 I. Fourth and eight at the A-48. From a scrimmage kick formation, A32 punts the ball to the B-7 where it hits B25 on the leg. As the ball rolls along the ground, B25 then kicks it at the B-4 to prevent Team A from recovering. The ball bounces into Team B’s end zone and over the end line. RULING: The result of the play is a safety, as B25’s kicking the ball provides new impetus. Foul by B25 for illegally kicking the ball. Team A may decline the penalty and take the two points, or accept the penalty. The foul by B25 is governed by post-scrimmage kick rules, so the accepted penalty would give Team B the ball at the B-2, first down and 10. (Rules 8-5-1a and 8-7-2b)

SECTION 5. Fighting

ARTICLE 1.

a. Before the game, squad members in uniform or coaches shall not participate in a fight (Rule 2-32-1).

During the first half, players shall not participate in a fight.

PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game [S7, S27 and S47 or S7, S38 and S47].

b. During the half-time intermission, squad members in uniform or coaches shall not participate in a fight.

During the second half, players shall not participate in a fight.

PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game [S7, S27 and S47 or S7, S38 and S47]. For fighting in the last game of a season, those with remaining eligibility shall serve suspensions during the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.

c. During either half, coaches or substitutes shall not leave their team area to participate in a fight, nor shall they participate in a fight in their team area.

PENALTY—15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game and the first half of the next game [S7, S27 and S47 or S7, S38 and S47]. For fighting in the last game of a season, those with remaining eligibility shall serve suspensions during the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.

ARTICLE 2.

a. If the squad member, coach or player is ejected for fighting a second time during that season, they shall be ejected from that game and suspended for the remainder of the season.

b. If a second fighting suspension occurs in the final game of a season, they shall be suspended for the first game of the next season for which they are eligible. This suspension is considered to be the first fight of that season.

ARTICLE 3. The referee will notify (in writing) their assigning agency of all ejections for fighting. The assigning agency becomes responsible for implementation of the penalty.

SECTION 6. Flagrant Personal Fouls

Player Ejection

ARTICLE 1. When a player is ejected from the game due to a flagrant personal foul (Rule 2-10-3), that team’s conference shall automatically initiate a video review for possible additional sanctions before the next scheduled game.