Now i disgree with both of the other coaches about cut blocking as i have used a form of cut blocking going on ten years and have yet to see an injury from it. Free blocking zone enforcement consistent enforcement of blocking below the waist 5. Apr 24, 2018 the establishment of a new definition of a blindside block in rule 2310 and the addition of rule 943n prohibiting a blindside block were two of 11 rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2022 meeting in indianapolis. How do you rule if you think the blocker has hit the back of one leg and the. You can read the entire press release from nfhs below.
Nov 07, 2016 nfhs rules outlaw cut blocks anywhere outside the tackle box, so running backs and wide receivers can never use them. Start studying nfhs football rules mostly definitions rule 2. High school football makes major rule changes for player safety. In gridiron football, a chop block is an attempt by an offensive player to cut block block at the thigh level or lower a defensive player while the defender is already engaged by another offensive player. The nfhs football rules committee wants to emphasize several examples where it is important to enforce. High school football makes major rule changes for player. The decision to eliminate clipping in the free blocking zone rule 2173 was the most significant of three rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2224 meeting in indianapolis.
Colorado football officials association created this video to aid nfhs football officials with this rule change. This ruling only means that the procap is not illegal under nfhs football rules. The chop block is usually considered illegal and penalized by a loss of. Promoting activities programs through showcase events.
Cut blocks are legal because the defender has the ability to avoid the cut block, but in a chop block, the defender is very vulnerable since their knees are exposed because they are busy trying to get past or shed the block of the guy they are currently playing against. Jul 06, 2011 still, the nfhs rules emphasize that helmettohelmet contact is unacceptable and that coaches should not teach using the head in blocking or tackling. Such blocks are banned due to the risk of injury, particularly those to the knee and ankle. Mar 17, 2011 indianapolis, in february 14, 2011 a change in the definition of a chop block in high school football, along with a strong emphasis on proper use of the helmet to minimize risk of injury, highlighted the january 2123 meeting of the national federation of state high school associations nfhs football rules committee in indianapolis. Eastern time 2017 nfhs football rule change proposal form due november 1, 2016 2017 nfhs football rules committee meeting january 2022, 2017 indianapolis, in. Kanawha valley football officials association home. The blocking and tackling techniques used by high school teams have placed. Nfhs football rules mostly definitions rule 2 flashcards. What goes into the ability to hold off the cut block of an offensive lineman. Football rules changes 2019 by nfhs on may 16, 2019 football. In 2017, the nfhs football rules committee adopted rule 347 which gives an. The nfhs is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. The rulemakers also urge school administrators to do everything possible to ensure that coaches and players are fully aware of the dangers of concussions and that football teams have access to. The freeblocking zone is a rectangle eight yards by six.
How to defeat the cut block behind the steel curtain. Indianapolis new rules on blindside blocking are the most recent steps taken by the national federation of state high school associations nfhs football rules committee in minimizing the risks associated with the sport the establishment of a new definition of a blindside block in rule 2310 and the addition of rule 943n prohibiting a blindside block were. It is four yards on either side of the ball and three yards behind each line of scrimmage. Gardner, publisher bob colgate, editor nfhs publications. High schoolte blocking below waistcut block i coach in north carolina and it was my understanding, i think 2 years ago, that a new rule under the nfhs ruling guidelines that it was illegal for a tight end to cut block below the waist. Every year the nfhs puts out a survey for coaches and officials to get feedback on potential rule changes.
A reverse chop occurs when the high block comes immediately after the low block and the same rules apply. Under nfhs rules, the freeblocking zone would disintegrate on a shotgun snap bc the ball would leave the zone 3 yards in all directions from snapper. High schoolte blocking below waistcut block the official forum. As seen in the playpic, a blindside block with forceful contact initiated with open hands is legal, inside or outside of the freeblocking zone. Nfhs football rules each state high school association adopting these nfhs football rules is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. Improperly equipped player shall be replaced for at least one down. Nfhs kanawha valley football offficials association.
Nine, eight and sixplayer rules differences standardized the rules language on 7yard mark conferences. A breakdown of new nfhs football rules bourne sports. The rule changes also defines the following as defenseless players. Free blocking zone nfhs read 5187 times 0 members and 1 guest are viewing this topic. Added a new definition for a blindside block and specifies a penalty for an illegal blindside block. For your convenience, nfhs offers rules and case books in multiple formats.
New rules on blindside blocking are the most recent steps taken by the national federation of state high school associations nfhs football. Any belowthewaist block outside the freeblocking zone is an illegal block. Fourman rule applies, but it is a dead ball foul if violated. The new language in rule 238 defines a chop block as a combination block by two or more teammates. A chop block is defined as a highlow or i think its been expanded to include a lowlow double team block, and that is not allowed anywhere at any level. Nfhs rules outlaw cut blocks anywhere outside the tackle box, so running backs and wide receivers can never use. Just made it easier to officiate instead of having to determine the direction of the block, if that player is restrictedunrestricted or if that block happened at the snap. Officiating education football north carolina high. It was the biggest topic at the football rules meeting tuesday at the texas high school. Nfhs chop block rule redefined in high school football page. Cut block is when a player goes for a block low of a defender who is free isnt occupied with an opposing player.
In gridiron football, blocking below the waist is an illegal block, from any direction, below the waist by any defensive player or by an offensive player under certain situations, by any player after change of possession, with certain exceptions. Cut blocking rule alteration makes for biggest topic at. Nfhs football rules changespress release get official products. At some point during the high school football season, many parts of the. Any person having questions about the interpretation of nfhs football rules should contact. Reconditioning and recertification of football equipment 4. The decision to eliminate clipping in the freeblocking zone rule 2173 was the most significant of three rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2224 meeting in indianapolis. Indianapolis, in february 14, 2011 a change in the definition of a chop block in high school football, along with a strong emphasis on proper use of the helmet to minimize risk of injury, highlighted the january 2123 meeting of the national federation of state high school associations nfhs football rules committee in indianapolis. Under the new nfhs rules blindside blocks, defined as a block against an opponent other than the runner who does not see the blocker approaching, will. The new nfhs regulations specify that the subject of a blindside block is defenseless, too.
Cut blocks are legal in a limited space at the high school level. While the nfhs football rules now expressly preclude conduct that is. In the ncaa, chop blocks are penalized by a 15yard loss. There are many features available on the web site, all available using the links on the navigation bar located on the left side of the screen. Nfhs cut blocking legal or not tuesday, august 16, 2011 cut blocking legal or not dealing with blocks below the waist by earl snyder, george levitsky and brian mills what is cut blocking. A blindside block is a block outside of the freeblocking zone against an opponent other than the runner who does not have a reasonable opportunity to see the blocker approaching. These two football points of emphasis need to be stressed to all coaches, game officials, players, parents, school administrators, appropriate healthcare professionals and all others who have an interest in. New blocking, kicking rules address risk minimization in. It is very important and essential to see the whole block from start to finish to get the call right.
John miller wiaa football rules interpreter 425 9886155 jmiller. Nfhs football rules changespress release get official. Nov 22, 2009 nfhs free blocking zone clipping illegal block in the back 1. Cut blocking rule alteration makes for biggest topic at thsca. Nfhs free blocking zone clipping illegal block in the. Other than this blocks below the waist should be called as fouls in high school as long they are are playing under nfhs rules and 48 of the 50 states play under nfhs rules. Nfhs kanawha valley football officials association home. Nfhs chop block rule redefined in high school football. Ebooks are available via itunes and amazon, while print publications can be purchased on nfhs. The decision to eliminate clipping in the freeblocking zone rule 2173 was the most significant of three rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2224. The rules differences dont always spell disaster for outofstaters. The following football points of emphasis were selected by the nfhs football rules committee for the 2019 high school football season.
I am sure there are some other rules probably that pertain to pass interference and what not but to me the big one is the ability to cut block anywhere on the field. New blocking, kicking rules address risk minimization. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a chop block. Still, the nfhs rules emphasize that helmettohelmet contact is unacceptable and that coaches should not teach using the head in blocking or tackling. The nfhs football rules committees action this year on making clipping illegal in the free blocking zone once again reinforces its continued effort to minimize risk within the game, said bob colgate, director of sports and sports medicine at the nfhs and staff liaison for football. Illegal crackback blocks, peelback blocks and cut blocks are called during other times when an illegal block is made below the waist. The freeblocking zone is a rectangle eight yards by six yards. In playpic b, the b player commits a dead ball personal foul. The penalties do not cancel and are enforced in the order of occurrence. Additional nfhs football information 2016 nfhs football rules online state interpreters meeting july 19, 2016 2. Continuing with the focus on risk minimization, the committee created a definition for a blindside block.
The modification of the chop block rule was one of 11 rules changes recommended by the football rules committee and approved by the nfhs board of directors. This block involves contact by a blocker against an opponent who. Blocking below the waist, nocall, football, 3, mon nov 07, 2005 10. A kick is the intentional striking of the ball with the knee, lower leg or foot. But i dont get to make the rules, i only enforce them coach. By nfhs football rules, blocking below the waist is only legal in the free blocking zone. Nfhs adds new rule changes for football stateline sports. The block is illegal unless it is against the ball carrier. The term cut blocking is used by coaches and is not a part of nfhs football rules. Blind side block presentation user must download to view videos no account required. The establishment of a new definition of a blindside block in rule 2310 and the addition of rule 943n prohibiting a blindside block were two of 11 rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2022 meeting in indianapolis. Gardner, 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 studentathletes of high.
In the nfl, blocking below the waist is illegal during kicking plays and after a change of possession. According to the 2014 nfhs high school athletics participation survey, football is the most popular sport for boys at the high school level with 1,093,234. One of the main reasons why is their ability to not get cut. Jul 17, 2017 colorado football officials association created this video to aid nfhs football officials with this rule change. Prior to the game, the head coach is responsible for verifying that the players are legally equipped and will not use illegal equipment. Aug 22, 2016 the decision to eliminate clipping in the freeblocking zone rule 2173 was the most significant of three rules changes recommended by the nfhs football rules committee at its january 2224 meeting in indianapolis. The official forum high schoolte blocking below waist. Prior to the game, the head coach is responsible for verifying that the players are legally equipp ed and. Offensive and defensive linemen may block each other below the waist in the free.
Well, your league may have its own rules about cut blocks, but cut blocks are allowed in the fbz under federation nfhs rules, which is what most youth leagues use. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the nfhs board of directors. New blocking, kicking rules address risk minimization in football. On an onside kick attempt, k may not block an opponent until they are legally able to touch the. Can rb cut block lb on sweep plays youth football ycoach. Block when the initial contact is from behind, at or below the waist.
Some teams from outside of the lone star state have refused to play texas teams because the discrepancy in rules surrounding cut blocks. Nfhs football rules kicking rule 6 flashcards quizlet. Officiating education football north carolina high school. Illegal participation fouls by the receiving team occurring during the kick are now enforced under postscrimmage kick fouls. It is important to note that the nfhs and the wiaa do not endorse football equipment. It was the biggest topic at the football rules meeting tuesday at the texas high school coaches association convention. A jersey, unaltered from the manufacturers original designproduction, and which shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants and shall be tucked in if longer. The cut blocker is said to chop the defender and usually engages simultaneously with or immediately after the high block. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Hurdle in texas high school football game highlights rules. Nfhs free blocking zone clipping illegal block in the back 1. National federation of state high school associations. Draw a line from goal line to goal line and no player can block low toward that line. San antonio one of the major rule changes in high school football moving forward deals with cut blocking.