Rock Valley Officials Association
Focus & Emphasis this week
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Positioning of wings: coming in getting the ball & squaring off spots/end of runs.
Mouthpiece (RVOA philosophy)
Whistle Mechanics – Blow it like you mean it!
One whistle, wings only is most cases & closest to that wing official.
Inadvertent whistles………….Wings make sure you SEE BALL!
Holding – Point of attack guys! (away from play these are talk to’s)
Flag down – Let your crew know by 3 sharp blast of your whistle.
Forward progress – Give them what they earn and know when to blow your whistle.
Everyone should signal down, Linesman know down & distance.
Signal Mechanics – Everyone should be doing the same way!
Anticipate the play - get into a routine before the start of every play.
Be a people watcher not a BALL watcher. (off ball/dead ball)
Sideline Restricted area, keep this clear!
Chain gang – No coaching or excessive cheering is allowed.
Arrive on time – 30 minute before your first game
Dead Ball Fouls
The following are fouls which can only occur between downs
while the ball is dead. If any of these fouls are committed, the
ball remains dead, even if the snap is made before a whistle
can be blown. We throw are flags HIGH into the air and blow
your whistle loud.
These all carry a 5-yard penalty:
1)False starts (offense)
2)Encroachment (defense) – not allowed to get back.
3)Illegal substitution
4)Snap infraction
5)Illegal equipment
6)Delay of game
When to blow your whistle and
declare the ball DEAD!
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
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9)
10)
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12)
13)
14)
15)
The ball or the ball carrier goes out of bounds.
The ball carrier’s forward progress is stopped.
Any part of the ball carrier’s body other than his hand or foot touches the ground.
There is a score or touchback.
A non-scoring kick or a grounded scoring kick breaks the plane of Team’s R’s goal line.
A scoring kick touches a Team K player in the EZ or has apparently failed after breaking the
plane of Team R’s goal line.
A kicking player catches or recovers any free kick, or scrimmage kick which is beyond the NZ
A kicking team player touches a scrimmage kick which is beyond the NZ at rest an
untouched by Team R.
A loose ball comes to rest and no one attempts to secure it.
A loose ball touches or is touched by anything inbounds other than a player, substitute,
replaced player, an official, authorized equipment, or the ground.
A receiving team player catches or recovers a kick after he or a teammate makes a valid or
invalid fair catch signal.
A forward pass, legal or illegal, strikes the ground.
During a try, Team B gains possession or it is otherwise apparent a kick will fail.
A simultaneous catch or recovery of a live ball occurs.
The ball carrier’s helmet comes completely off.
Live Ball Fouls
A live-ball foul is simply a foul that occurs while the ball
is live. Most of these fouls can only be committed by
the offense, but there are a few that the defense can
commit. The following acts which, if not corrected,
become fouls when the ball is snapped:
1) Illegal formation or numbering
2) Illegal motion
3) Illegal shift
Certain types of substitution infractions and illegal participation can also occur
simultaneous with the snap. The most frequently encountered fouls which
is simultaneous with the snap is illegal formation. This includes but is not
limited to: Less than 7 players on the offensive line, a numbering violation,
lineman locking legs other than the snapper, or a member of Team A not
being between the nine-yard marks after the ready-for-play signal and
before the snap.
NIFC Rule Exceptions
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Slaughter Rule
Coaches on Field for Flyweight Games
Punting & Kickoffs
Exposed hip pads are allowed
Numbering eligibility - None
4 -10 minute quarters - NO running the clock (exception only on point spread)
Penalty enforcement (look to coaches for whether to accept or decline)
Slaughter Rule
a. If a point a point spread of twenty-four (24) points or more exists at any time
during the game, coaches of the winning team are required to substitute
lesser skilled players at QB, running backs, receivers, and skilled defensive
players. An official time out must be called to substitute players and
coaches must meet at mid-field. The time out needed for this substitution
will NOT be charged against either team. When substituting players due to
a point spread, key players may not be substituted to other key positions.
NOTE: As officials we do NOT police this.
b. The receiving team, when trailing by 24 points or more, shall retain
possession of all Kickoffs under all circumstances. This includes fumbles
(whether or not the ball is advanced), on-sides kicks, and kickoff recoveries
by the kicking team. In the event the ball is fumbled, the ball shall be
spotted at the spot of the fumble.
Punting and Kickoffs
a.
b.
c.
d.
Heavyweight Division: Kickoffs and Punting are required.
Middleweight Division: Kickoffs are required. No-Rush Punting is required.
Lightweight Division: Kickoffs are required. Punting is disallowed. Punts will be walk off of
yardage.
Flyweight Division: Kickoffs and Punting are disallowed.
Definitions:
a) No-Rush Punt (middleweights only): Neither the punting or receiving team may advance or
engage prior to the ball making contact with the punters foot. Other than stepping forward in the
punting motion, the punter may not advance the ball before kicking. The punting team shall inform
the game officials (Referee) of the intent to punt prior to punting.
b) Punt walk-offs (lightweight and flyweights): 25 yards will be walked off in lieu of punting. If the line
of scrimmage is within the opposing team’s 35-yard line, the ball will be placed on the 10-yard
line. Teams have the normal play clock time (25-seconds) within in which to decide to punt or not.
If/when the offense decides to punt, the clock will be stopped, 10-seconds will be wound off the
play clock, the ball will be spotted by the officials, and the time will continue when the receiving
team begins the next play.
c) Kickoffs (flyweights only): The ball will be placed on the 35-yard line.
Scrimmage Kick
Referee
G
Position 3-4 yards in
front of kicker, 5-7
yards wide on Line
Judge side
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30 40
50
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30
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10
G
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R
Be able to see ball
and all backs
Watch for fouls
behind neutral zone
and roughing /
running into kicker
G
Be alert for blocked
kicks and recovery
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Scrimmage Kick
Referee
G
10
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
After ball crosses
neutral zone,
observe line play
and move down field
slowly
If necessary,
determine if ball was
touched beyond the
neutral zone and by
whom
20
30 40
R
50
40
30
20
Be ready to pick up
runner on long run
and continue with
him to goal line
10
Scrimmage Kick
LJ
Referee
G
10
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
If ball kicked out of
bounds in flight,
assist the covering
official with spot
In no foul, signal
linesmen and lineto-gain equipment
into position for next
play
Make sure all
officials ready prior
to giving ready-forplay signal
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30 40
R
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40
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Scrimmage Kick
Umpire
G
Position 4 to 7 yards
deep, keeping ball in
view
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
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U
Check numbering
exceptions
After snap, step
toward neutral zone
watching for
possible roughing of
snapper, then shift
to blocking action
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Scrimmage Kick
Umpire
G
Determine if kick
crosses neutral
zone
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
U
Assist Referee with
short or blocked
kicks
Once kick crosses
neutral zone, pivot
and observe blocks
downfield and
players away from
ball
G
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Scrimmage Kick
Lineman
G
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
Cover kicks to your
side of field
If out of bounds in
flight, move past
were ball went out
and walk forward
until Referee spots
you
Grounded kicks out
of bounds, mark
spot and observe
action
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Scrimmage Kick
Lineman
G
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
Help Referee with
short or blocked
kicks and note spot
of recovery
Bean bag spot of
first touching and
end of kick
Be ready for fair
catch and blow
whistle only after
kick is secured
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Scrimmage Kick
Lineman
G
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
Routine kick, move
downfield cautiously
observer action in
front of ball carrier
Move with runner to
your sideline and
follow until goal line
Only move line to
gain equipment
when sure no foul
on play and signaled
by Referee
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Scrimmage Kick
Line Judge
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30 40
50
LJ
40 30 20
G
10
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
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Position 7 to 10
yards in front of
deepest receiver
and in position to
cover sideline
Carry bean bag in
hand
Be ready to rule on
momentum inside 5
yard line
Observe initial
action around
receiver
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Scrimmage Kick
LJ
Line Judge
G
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20
30 40
50
40
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20
10
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G
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Drop Bean Bag to
mark end of kick
Maintain
responsibility of ball
carrier on returns up
the middle and to
your side until
released to other
official
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Scrimmage Kick
LJ
Line Judge
G
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
If out of bounds in
flight, move past
were ball went out
and walk forward
until Referee spots
you
Grounded kicks out
of bounds, mark
spot and observe
action
Returns to
Linesman side,
move slowly behind
play observe all
action
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Scrimmage Kick
LJ
Line Judge
G
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20
30 40
50
40
30
20
10
G
G
10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10
G
If K first to touch,
mark spot of first
touching with bean
bag
If fair catch is
signaled, sound
whistle after kick is
complete, and mark
spot
Be ready for muff
20
Measurement
Line Judge
Align Linesman up
with line and ball
G
Linesman
10
20
U
Walk chains out, place
clip on line and hold
30
LJ
R
Umpire
After Linesman ready,
pull chain
Referee
Hold ball and
determine if ball
across line-to-gain
G
10
20
30
H
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Posted on our Website
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Most past presentations, including todays
4 & 5 man mechanics positioning & keys
2011 Rule Book & Case Book
NIFC Rules & Differences
Tips of the week (rules & mechanics)
Dress code/requirements
IHSA insurance coverage information
Blocking, Holding,
Free Blocking Zone
Presenter: Duffey Ainsworth
Free Blocking Zone
“Zone”
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It is defined as a
rectangle centered
on the spot of the
snap.
It measures 8-yards
laterally & 6-yards
lengthwise.
A player is in the
zone when any part
of this body is in the
zone at the snap.
A defensive player is
on his LOS when he
is within1-yard of the
NZ.
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4 Major Blocking Techniques
Legal & Illegal
1. Clipping
2. Blocking in the back
3. Blocking below the waist
4. Chop block
Clipping
This rule was written so a player should not be contacted from behind by an
opponent he cannot see approaching. The legality of the block and whether it
constitutes a foul is usually dependent upon the initial contact. Protection is not
provided a player who turns his back to an oncoming blocker when the blocker has
committed himself in intent and direction of movement. Because of the injury risk,
clipping is considered one of the most dangerous fouls. 2-5-1 gives a definition of
clipping – contacting an opponent from the rear at or below the waist. Clipping is a
15-yard penalty.
Clipping is allowed in one special circumstance (9-3-5a). Offensive linemen may clip
in the free-blocking zone as outlined in 2-17-1. The free-blocking zone (2-17), also
referred to as the “zone”, is defined as a rectangle centered on the spot of the snap.
It measures eight yards laterally and six yards lengthwise. Offensive linemen in this
zone at the snap may legally clip inside the zone. The zone disintegrates as soon as
the ball leaves the zone. This is a fairly long-winded way of saying offensive linemen
may block from behind on their initial charge or shortly thereafter. NOTE the
restrictions: they must be on the line within the zone at the snap and the block must
be in the zone against an opponent who was on the line and in the zone at the snap.
The allowance is only for linemen. Backs or those lined up illegally in “no man’s land”
may not clip.
Clipping
In summary, there are three requirements for
a legal clip. The block must be:
1. By an offensive lineman who is in the zone at the snap.
2. Against an opponent/defensive players who are on the line of
scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.
3. Contact is in the zone
Defensive players are never allowed to clip.
Blocking In The Back
A block in the back is a similar infraction to clipping except it is contact
from behind and above the waist and a 10-yard penalty. Like clipping,
blocking in the back is allowed for offensive linemen in the free-blocking
zone. Offensive linemen may legally block in the back inside the zone if the
opponent was in the zone at the snap and the block is in the zone.
In summary, there are three requirements for a legal block in the back. The
block must be:
1.
2.
3.
By an offensive linemen who are on the line of scrimmage and in the
zone at the snap.
Against an opponent/defensive players who are in the zone at the
snap.
The contact is in the zone & before the ball leaves the zone.
Defensive players are allowed to push an opponent in the back above the
waist if they are trying to get to the runner. Also, players of either team may
push or pull in the back when trying to reach a loose ball, such as a fumble,
a backward pass, a kick they are eligible to touch, or a tipped forward pass.
They also are allowed to push in the back if they are warding off a blocker.
Blocking In The Back
In summary, there are three differences between
clipping and blocking in the back.
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2)
3)
Clipping is a 15-yard penalty, while a block in
the back is a 10-yard penalty.
A defensive player need only be in the zone at
the snap to be legally blocked in the back.
Must be on the line and in the zone at the snap
in order to be legally clipped.
A block in the back is legal anywhere on the field to
get at the runner, a loose ball or to ward off a blocker.
Blocking Below The Waist
Blocking below the waist is initial contact below the waist from the front or side against an opponent other than a
runner. Like clipping, it is an illegal block that is allowed under certain conditions. These are outlined in 2-17-2 in
the rule book. The NFHS philosophy is an above the waist block in the open field usually accomplishes the same
purpose as a block below the waist, but reduces the possibility of injury to the opponent’s legs. Please remember
blocking below the waist refers to blocks from the front or side. If the block is from the rear, it falls under the
clipping rule.
Blocking below the waist is allowed for certain players in the free-blocking zone. In addition to being in the freeblocking zone at the snap, both players must have been on their line of scrimmage at the snap. Also, the contact
must take place in the zone. A “crackback block” may be either a legal or illegal block. Although there is no
formal definition, this term is used to describe a block by a wide receiver who blocks back towards the spot of the
snap. The crackback block can be from the front or behind, and either above or below the waist. If the crackback
is in front or side and above the waist, it is a legal block.
Likewise, since only offensive lineman in the zone may clip in the zone, any crackback from behind is also illegal.
In summary, there are four requirements for a legal block below the waist. The block must be:
1. By a blocker (offensive or defense) who is in the zone and on his line of scrimmage at the snap;
2. In the zone;
3. Against an opponent in the zone and on his line of scrimmage a the snap;
4. Before the ball leaves the zone.
Blocking Below The Waist
In the kicking game, blocking below the waist has been virtually
eliminated. If there is a free kick, then blocking below the waist is
not permitted by either team anywhere on the field at anytime during
the down. It is important to note the block below the waist is
prohibited during the entire down, not just during the kick. Thus, if a
member of the receiving team blocks below the waist during the
return, it is a foul-even though the kick has ended.
If there is a scrimmage kick, any blocking below the waist must be
initiated immediately after the snap, since the ball will leave the zone
on the snap. Like the free kick, blocking below the waist is forbidden
during the return of a scrimmage kick. Blocking below the waist is
also prohibited anywhere on the field after a change of possession.
Thus, when the defense recovers or intercepts a fumble or
backward pass, or intercepts a forward pass, no one is allowed to
block below the waist.
Chop Block
Chop Block
A chop block is a delayed block at the knees or below against an opponent (other than the runner) who
is in contact with a teammate of the blocker in the free-blocking zone. Such contact outside the zone is
an illegal block below the waist. If the blocks are simultaneous or if the opponent has disengaged from
the first block when the second occurs, there cannot be a chop block.
FIRST BLOCK
High
Low
High
SECOND BLOCK
Low
Low
High
TIMING
Simultaneous
Simultaneous
Simultaneous
RULING
Illegal Block
Legal Block
Legal Block
Here are some key points regarding chop blocks;
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Both offensive and defensive players can be guilty of a chop block;
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Two simultaneous blocks are legal in situations where low blocks are legal;
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If the second block is a delayed low block, it is a chop block (high-delay-low or low-delay-low).
Questions?