SECTION 1 – BLOCKING, USE OF HANDS AND ARMS
Legal and Illegal Blocks
Blocking, the art of opening the gates to the end zone, has its do’s and don’ts. Here’s when the ref will throw the flag on a block party:
- Illegal Moves: Anything from holding to tripping over can earn a penalty. Key fouls include clipping, chop blocks, and the infamous illegal blindside block that can turn a player’s day upside down faster than a pancake on Sunday morning.Penalty: Lose 10 yards if you’re caught using your hands and arms in manners akin to a street fighter.
Legal Blocks by Offensive Players
- The Right Way: Use your head, shoulders, and arms, but keep it clean. No grabbing, no holding, just good old fashioned blocking.Remember: If you’re a runner, feel free to use your hands to brush off opponents like dandruff off a shoulder.
Illegal Blocks by Offensive Players
- Hands Off: Thrusting your hands to push someone in the face is a no-go. That’s just rude, and also a 10-yard penalty.
- Watch Your Back: No shoving someone in the back outside of a Black Friday sale. That’s a penalty each time.Rule of Thumb: If you open your arms wide and the defender runs into them, it’s his fault. Otherwise, keep those hands to yourself!
SECTION 2 – PERSONAL FOULS
Clipping
- Low Blow: Clipping is like tripping someone up at the knees – it’s dangerous and frowned upon, unless it’s straight-up, above the knees, and in the fray.
“Peel Back” Block
- Blindside Blues: Imagine reversing into a parking spot and accidentally hitting the car behind you. That’s the essence of an illegal peel back block.
Illegal Cut Block
- Cutting Corners: Going low on someone who’s not expecting it? That’s a shortcut to Penaltyville.
Blocking Below the Waist
- Keep It High: If the ball has changed possession, keep your blocks above the waist, or it’s 15 yards back the other way.
Chop Block
- Double Trouble: Two players teaming up, one high, one low, on the same defender? That’s more than just poor sportsmanship—it’s downright dangerous.
Crackback Block
- Sideline Sneak Attacks: If you’re coming from the side, especially from the bench side, keep those blocks above the waist, or you’ll be sitting next to the coach with a penalty to stew over.
Blindside Block
- Look Before You Block: No hitting anyone from the side or back towards your own endline. That’s how chaos happens (and penalties).
Unnecessary Roughness
- Play Nice: Football is tough, but there’s no room for cheap shots. Whether it’s a leg whip or a late hit, play with honor, not with anger.
SECTION 3 – UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Prohibited Acts
- Keep It Clean: No trash talk, no taunting, and definitely no using props for celebrations. Save the drama for your mama, not the football field.Penalty: 15 yards. If you’re particularly naughty, it might even cost you the game.
SECTION 4 – AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION
- Two Strikes, You’re Out: Two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one game, and you’re watching the rest from the locker room.
SECTION 5 – ILLEGAL BATS AND KICKS
Illegal Bat
- No Batting Practice: Swatting the ball towards your goal line or batting it after it hits the ground is only legal in baseball. Here, it’s a penalty.
Illegally Kicking Ball
- No Soccer Skills: Deliberately kicking a loose ball? Save it for the World Cup. That’s a penalty in football.
Conclusion
In the NFL, playing by the rules is just as important as the skill to play the game. So block like a pro, tackle with care, and celebrate with class. After all, it’s a game, and games are meant to be fun—within the rulebook’s pages.
