RECENT MECHANICS DISCUSSIONS
Question: Blocking below the waist and free blocking zone. Question was asked what is the "Free Blocking Zone.
Response:
Officially it is 8 yards by 4 yards, but we interpret the Tight ends to
be in the zone if they are immediately next to the tackles.
Question: Who can block below the waist and who can be blocked below the waist.
Response:
You must be in the free blocking zone and "on the line of
scrimmage" to block below the waist or to be blocked below the waist.
Question: Can Linebackers be cut if they blitz and happen to technically be on the line of scrimmage when the snap goes off.
Response: YES !! as long as they are on the LOS at the snap and in the FBZ and blocked by an Offensive lineman also on the LOS at the snap.
Question: Can a QB can put his hands under center, then come out (slowly) to call an audible, then go back under center.
Response: Yes. As long as we don't interpret him simulating the start of the snap. If this happens, and the QB is calm and normal about pulling out, and the defense does not react, then there should be no flag. If this movement causes the defense to come offsides, then you have to make a judgment if the QB simulated the start of the play. If he did, then you have a false start. Also, if the QB does move out from under the center, make sure no one then goes in motion and does not stop, then you could have an illegal shift
Question: What actually is a chop block.
Response: A "Delayed"
block at or below the knee when engaged or disengaging from an opponent. Coaches are concerned about this and I told then we would
look for it as best we can. But I
also told them that with a 5 man crew this is sometimes difficult to see.
But I highlighted the fact that this must be a "Delayed" block.
A simultaneous block at or below the knee is legal (at the snap on the
LOS of course)
Discussion
points...
9
yd marks. We will use common sense.
If for some reason, a player does not come inside the marks between the
ready and snap, the wing officials will let the player know he has to move
inside at some point. You will see this most likely on punt situations when the
punt team comes onto the field. If
their is no deception, and these players are covered by the defense, then no
foul should be called. We should
not "look for this", but rather use some preventative officiating.
However, if their is deception, and this type of player is not covered by
the defense, then we have a foul.
Shut
down during scrimmage kick formation. When
the lineman start with their hands on their knees, then uniformally go down to a
3 point stance, this is NOT illegal. They
have not committed a foul. I did
mention that the lineman shouldn't be screaming out at the D line or verbally
saying anything, that just the movement to the 3 point stance is OK.
In
High School, breaking the huddle with 12 is not a foul !!!
A replaced player must leave the field immediately (3-5 seconds) and if
they happen to break the huddle as the substitute enters, and the replaced
player leaves, there is no foul. however,
if you have a situation where this replaced player draws coverage and confuses
the defense, you could have a foul for illegal substitution.
Equipment.
eye shields must be 100% clear. Knee
pads covering knee. mouthpiece as
full as possible (not bitten). If
player is seen with bad or missing equipment, we will tell that player he has to
leave and get it fixed. Do not
throw the flag on first observance of bad equipment.
But if that player, or another player is found in the game with the same
problem, then there could be a flag, and remember if that happens, it is
expensive...15 yard unsportsmanlike foul on the head coach.
Covered
ends. Coaches expressed concern we
are not catching covered ends going out for a pass.
I told them that L and LJ will signal the player closest to them if he is
in the backfield or not with their arm. Also,
we should not tell players to move up or back when snap is imminent.
If player tells you they are on or off the line, you certainly can help
them out telling them that they are OK and point out the LOS with your foot.
You can also tell them to move up or back but be careful when snap is
imminent.
NEW !!! Kick off positioning for 2004
At the Coin Toss, we will allow other players to come out as far as the hash marks. LJ and BJ, make sure they do not come past the hash marks.