I am almost completely certain that in Virginia and Illinois it is illegal to cut when in the shotgun.

 

Might want to check. All states (except Mass and Texas) use the same rule book and can't vary interpretations of basic rules. They can differ in mechanics, but not rules.

Might want to check. All states (except Mass and Texas) use the same rule book and can't vary interpretations of basic rules. They can differ in mechanics, but not rules.

 

 

The coaches I talk with confirm what I stated previously.

 

 

Read post # 14 by Hey-Ref.

The coaches I talk with confirm what I stated previously.

 

 

Read post # 14 by Hey-Ref.

 

It was read. But you have to understand. Each state is to ISSUE the interps for their states, but they all are to give the same answers, and it is to be based solely on the rules, not their personal opinions. There may be a local officials group that isn't getting the message or is being erroneously influenced. But the FB rules committee is one member from each state. And the only way the state loses their seat on the committee is to not go by the published playing rules, period. I don't think the voting members from those states (Mr. Zaborniak from Ohio or Mr. Gannaway from Illinois) would contradict those published rules and forfeit their seats and disallow their states from having a vote.

From the 2009 NFHS Rulebook....

 

ROBERT F. KANABY, Publisher

Bob Colgate, Editor

NFHS Publications

 

To maintain the sound traditions of this sport, encourage sportsmanship and minimize

the inherent risk of injury, the National Federation of State High School Associations

writes playing rules for varsity competition among student-athletes of high school age.

High school coaches, officials and administrators who have knowledge and experience

regarding this particular sport and age group volunteer their time to serve on the rules

committee. Member associations of the NFHS independently make decisions regarding

compliance with or modification of these playing rules for the student-athletes in their

respective states.

NFHS rules are used by education-based and non-education-based organizations serving

children of varying skill levels who are of high school age and younger. In order to make

NFHS rules skill-level and age-level appropriate, the rules may be modified by any organization

that chooses to use them. Except as may be specifically noted in this rules book,

the NFHS makes no recommendation about the nature or extent of the modifications that

may be appropriate for children who are younger or less skilled than high school varsity

athletes.

Every individual using these rules is responsible for prudent judgment with respect to

each contest, athlete and facility, and each athlete is responsible for exercising caution

and good sportsmanship. These rules should be interpreted and applied so as to make

reasonable accommodations for disabled athletes, coaches and officials.

I see no problem with cut blocking in the gun most of the danger I see with low blocks is when power run teams chop from the back side, rarely does it happen while a defender is not engaged with another blocker. Goes unnoticed alot, I seen a game where it happened every play but was called twice.

FBRules is correct about the low block when in shotgun. It is legal by rule. My comments about an interpretation came in reponse to questions about the shotgun and we were told the rule covers such blocks when they occur immediately after the snap. Any delay after the snap and the opportunity to block low is gone precisely because the ball has left the FBZ so quickly after the snap.

 

I also stated that each state has their own rules authority who can make the same or other interpretations. Those officials in other states are told how to call such blocks.

 

Hey Ref, do you actually work games? Are you the trainer for the officials?

I work games, but I am not a trainer of officials. But more experienced officials are always coaching and helping less experienced officials by mentoring and generally helping them when the opportunity arises.

I work games, but I am not a trainer of officials. But more experienced officials are always coaching and helping less experienced officials by mentoring and generally helping them when the opportunity arises.

 

Sounds like you know what you're talking about. Keep up the good work. Seems like you should be the trainer of officials. :thumb:

Bring back to top as related to rule changes discussion relative to chop blocking and blocking below the waist.

Question for hey-ref, is it legal for linebackers to cut down fullbacks, below the waist, on plays such as ISO out of the basic I formation? Also, is it legal for Offensive lineman to flash cut, where they flash high then cut, when QB is under center?

Question for hey-ref, is it legal for linebackers to cut down fullbacks, below the waist, on plays such as ISO out of the basic I formation? Also, is it legal for Offensive lineman to flash cut, where they flash high then cut, when QB is under center?

 

No. The only time blocking below the waist is legal is described in the rule posted above.

No. The only time blocking below the waist is legal is described in the rule posted above.

 

So let me see if I get this: If I am a LB and I line up in the gap on the line of scrimmage, I can only cut offensive linemen who are also on the line of scrimmage before the ball leaves the zone? Is that correct? If there is any delay, it's a foul?

So let me see if I get this: If I am a LB and I line up in the gap on the line of scrimmage, I can only cut offensive linemen who are also on the line of scrimmage before the ball leaves the zone? Is that correct? If there is any delay, it's a foul?

 

Blocker must be on LOS and in FBZ at snap

Opponent must be the same

The ball must be in the FBZ

The contact must be in the FBZ

 

Delay only comes into play if the contact occurs after the ball leaves the FBZ.