The Free Blocking Zone issue is due to me running a true Double Wing system. It usually won't apply to other offenses, because the splits are too wide. But in the double wing, we get foot to foot. This creates a Free Blocking Zone (FBZ) that is within the 4 yard "box". This means our TEs can legally perform a cut block on a defensive tackle. I always talk to the refs before the game, but this year I had a crew that was convinced it was illegal, and flagged us for it about 3 times on 1 drive. In most offenses, the TE is just too far out to allow it to be a legal block.

 

NFHS Rule 2-17:

 

ART. 1...The free-blocking zone is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yards either side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage. A player is in the free-blocking zone when any part of his body is in the zone at the snap.

 

ART. 2...Blocking below the waist is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the following conditions are met:

a. All players involved in the blocking are on the line of scrimmage an in the zone at the snap.

b. The contact is in the zone.

 

ART. 3...Clipping is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the following conditions are met:

a. By offensive linemen who are on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.

b. Against defensive players who are on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.

c. The contact is in the zone.

 

ART. 4...Blocking in the back is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the following conditions are met:

a. By offensive linemen who are on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.

b. Against defensive players who are in the zone at the snap.

c. The contact is in the zone.

 

ART. 5...The free blocking zone disintegrates and the exception for a player to block below the waist and/or the exception for an offensive lineman to clip and/or block in the back is not to continue after the ball has left the zone.

_______

You are absolutely correct in your interpretation of the rule, coach. But remember, it's a judgment call and it involves safety. While your sideline is yelling about it being legal, the other side is going to be equally vocal that it isn't. The guy on that other side might have a better argument.

After reading my post I would like to apologize for sounding like a referee basher. As much as I hate to admit I had never lost a game due to a referee's call. I just didn't want to sound like an official basher because I know how difficult their job is.

... I figure they can't argue with a hard copy of the rules in my back pocket.

 

Rule 9-8-1 Noncontact Unsportsmanlike Conduct by Nonplayers

 

ART. 1...No coach, substitute, trainer or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the officials assume authority for the contest. Examples are, but not limited to:

 

b. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.

 

 

(Whipping out the rulebook is a great idea, but discretion being the better part of valor and all...).

After reading my post I would like to apologize for sounding like a referee basher. As much as I hate to admit I had never lost a game due to a referee's call. I just didn't want to sound like an official basher because I know how difficult their job is.

 

It's all good coach. If I'd thought of it, I would have made my BGP name "Lonesome Polecat". :ylsuper:

The Free Blocking Zone issue is due to me running a true Double Wing system. It usually won't apply to other offenses, because the splits are too wide. But in the double wing, we get foot to foot. This creates a Free Blocking Zone (FBZ) that is within the 4 yard "box". This means our TEs can legally perform a cut block on a defensive tackle. I always talk to the refs before the game, but this year I had a crew that was convinced it was illegal, and flagged us for it about 3 times on 1 drive. In most offenses, the TE is just too far out to allow it to be a legal block.

 

The motion issue was comical. Our cadence is "down, ready, set, go." We start our motions on SET. This ref claimed that it was illegal to have a motion (keep in mind it was either going in an arc backwards, or straight behind the FB) that late in the cadence. We had to delay longer, which in turn would throw off all our timing. He wanted us to really OVER exaggerate our motions...crazy. A different crew the following week laughed at it while I was explaining it and said, "as long as no one is going forward and only one is moving you're fine...you can go in motion without any cadence." Of course I knew this, but it was pretty aggrevating.

 

The trick play stuff was just to check a few things to put some silly extra point stuff in. We played around with some "Lonesome Polecat" looking stuff and the kids loved it, so I just want to continue expanding it further, within the rules.

 

I love the double wing. My question would be how could your end block down on the tackle and cut him with shoe to shoe splits and the offensive tackle not considered a post man. Which in turn would make it illegal?

Tackle blocks down also.

You have to love the refs sometimes. I told one during a freshman game that I hope he didn't ref varsity games because he was horrible he told me I hope you don't coach varsity games. :creepy: :lol:

I threw one at a ref one time.. He wasn't very amused....

 

I am suprised you were not flagged for that one. Check under the Unsportsmanlike Rules - for Non Players. YOu probably should have been - with all due respect.

The block you mentioned is illegal no way the ball is still within the zone for a cut block from a wing on a defensive tackle.

Tackle blocks down also.

 

In theory you might be right. However, unless the offensive tackle is pulling he is going to make contact with the D-tackle because everyone is jumbled in their shoe to shoe. The main thing that hurts the wing- double or single or wing-t is penatration and as the d-tackle attacks it is going to cause contact with the offensive tackle even if he is blocking down. So the tackles are engaged and then the cut block comes from the TE in which it now becomes illegal because the coach on the other side is yelling his head off.

As far as the comment about the wing cutting the tackle the fbz is set up where you can't enter and then cut. So a back who is not lined up in the fbz can not come into it after the ball is snapped and then cut a down lineman or even a LB who is filling the hole. Questions come about this rule often because the fb is lined up right off the tail of the qb. I have seen him be allowed to cut but have also seen it the other way too. Having said this the double wing is based on a double team at the point of attack and most often it is a double team with the tE and Tackle. Everyone knows this so when it isn't a double team and the ref sees the TE cut the tackle it is almost always a flag because of memory. I have seen the double wing ( true) double wing more than you can shake a stick at. I love to watch the single-wing, double w and the wing-t. Just hard to find kids willing to except this offense now adays.