Some fouls “scream,” but most times we deal with calls that aren’t obvious and require discernment. We call that “judgment.”
Precise rules knowledge underpins good judgment. If we don’t know the rules, how can we judge whether an act is a foul?
Some of the rules have multiple components and we must brute-force memorize those components to provide accurate decisions. Examples include:
- Post scrimmage kick (2-16h)
- Hurdling (2-22)
- Illegal blindside block (2-3-10 and 9-4-3h); notice all components are not in one rule
- Block below the waist (2-3-7, 2-17-2, and 2-3-2); notice all components are not in one rule
- Facemask (9-4-3h)
- Horsecollar tackle (9-4-3k)
- Forceful contact against a defenseless receiver (2-32-16b, 2-32-16c, and 9-4-3p)
- First touching of a free kick (6-1-7)
- First touching of a scrimmage kick (6-2-5 and 6-2-6)
Notice that with some of the rules, all components are not conveniently located in one rule.
We also employ interpretations to help amplify areas where a rule is not clear or precise.
For example, Rule 9-4-3n says it is illegal personal contact to execute a blindside block outside of the free-blocking-zone with forceful contact unless initiated with open hands (Rule 2-3-10 adds the “the opponent does not see the blocker approaching component). What is forceful contact? In Colorado, the rules interpreter has stated it is not forceful contact if the blocked player remains upright.
Here’s another interpretation: Rule 2-17-2c says blocking below the waist is permitted in the free blocking zone if the block is an immediate, initial action at the snap. What is immediate, initial action? The Colorado rules interpreter has stated the blocker can take up to two steps before blocking below the waist. More than two steps is not immediate, initial action.
Your state rules interpreter may have a different interpretation of the rule components.
Officiating principles and standards are statements that, while not spelled out word-for-word in the Rules Book, are criteria that guide judgment.
For example, we give more grace to a defender if a punter employs a rugby-style kick because the defender does not know if the punter will run or kick.
Another example: Rule 9-4-4 says defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer who has thrown the ball from in or behind the neutral zone, after it is clear the ball has been thrown. When ruling on roughing the quarterback, I consider the number of steps the defender takes after the quarterback releases the ball. If it’s just one step, any legal contact is not a foul. If it’s two steps, I’m looking for a wrap-up tackle instead of just slamming into the quarterback. If it’s three steps or more, I’m flagging any contact that knocks the quarterback to the ground.
The punch line is: We need to know each component of a rule and any applicable interpretations, standards, and principles to accurately determine if the action is a foul. Take the time to memorize the rule components and speak with your rules interpreter and trusted mentors to learn the additional interpretations and principles that help you fully understand how to properly rule on a play.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
4/7 from the R-15. K12’s field goal attempt glances off K56’s helmet, who is blocking at the R-14. The ball goes between the vertical uprights.
- The field goal has scored
- The field goal has not scored
Review Rules 4-2-2d(2) and 8-4-1b