"Ask the Ref" > "Ask the Ref"

Free Blocking Zone?

(1/2) > >>

Proud Papa:
What exactly is the "Free Blocking Zone" and what exactly is allowed inside of it? I had a LB that was running towards the sideline to make a tackle on the ball carrier. My LB was about 10 yards away from where the TE lines up at every play. As he was running along the line of scrimmage (while 10 yards from where the TE lines up at), he was blocked in the back <blatant as day> before he could make the tackle. When I asked the official why there wasn't a penalty for blocking in the back, he responded by saying, "It's allowed in the free blocking zone." That "play" resulted in a big gain by the opposing team. So, what exactly is the "Free Blocking Zone?"

Director of Officials:
Would have to see your play to confirm but here is the definition of the free blocking zone:

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 n the zone at the snap 

All players involved in the blocking have to be on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap. The contact has to be in the zone as well.

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. Contact is in the zone

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

Proud Papa:
I can understand that part but my linebacker lines up 5 yards away from the line of scrimmage making him outside of the free blocking zone. I'm trying to see if any of my parents have video so I can show you that play.

Director of Officials:
Where was your linebacker at the snap? 

Proud Papa:
My linebackers line up 5 yards away from the ball and they line up right behind the defensive ends.

A parent was recording the game but it was at a low quality so you couldn't see anything from the video because it was too blurry.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page