conduct of players and others subject to the rules “the assault & battery rule” gary s....

Conduct of Players and Others Subject to the Rules

“The Assault & Battery Rule”

Gary S. McCarthy, Jr.

Rob Geddes

August 28, 2013

RULE 9

Section 1: Personal FoulsSection 2: Unsportsmanlike Conduct FoulsSection 3: Blocking, Use of Hands or ArmsSection 4: Batting and KickingSection 5: FightingSection 6: Flagrant Personal Fouls

Rule 9 Overview

All personal fouls include 15 yard penaltiesLive ball fouls enforced under 3-and-1Dead ball fouls enforced from succeeding

spotTeam B fouls include automatic first downTeam A fouls behind NZ enforced from

previous spotSafety if fouls occurs in Team A EZ

All Flagrant fouls require DQTeam A fouls during kick plays enforced at

previous spot or where ball belongs to Team B (Team B option)

Section 1: Personal Fouls

Striking and Tripping Fouls (9-1-2)Knee may not be used to strike an opponentHelmet, neck, and face may not be contacted

with:Extended forearmElbowLocked handsPalmFistHeelBack or side of open handNo gouging

No tripping (Exception: against runner)


Targeting and Initiating Contact with the Crown of the Helmet (9-1-3)May not use top of helmet to contact any opponent

anywhere on his bodyFoul requires DQ (2013)When in question, it is a foul

Targeting and Initiating Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player (9-1-4)May not target head or neck area of a defenseless

player with helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder

Foul requires DQ (2013)When in question, it is a foul


A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass. A receiver attempting to catch a pass, or one who has

completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a ball carrier. (2013)

A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the return. (2013)

A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick. A player on the ground. A player obviously out of the play. A player who receives a blind-side block. (2013) A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and

whose forward progress has been stopped. (2013) A quarterback any time after a change of possession.

(2013)

Defenseless Player Review (2-27-14)

“Targeting” means that a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with an apparent intent that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball.

Some indicators of targeting include but are not limited to:LaunchCrouchLeading with helmet, forearm, fist, hand or elbowLowering the head before attacking (crown)

What is Targeting?

Clipping (9-1-5)Not allowed at any timeExceptions

Offensive players on the LOS at the snap within blocking zone (force may not be at or below knee)


Clipping (9-1-5)Not allowed at any timeExceptions (con’t)

Blocker commits and blockee turns his backPlayer attempts to reach a runnerPlayer legally attempts to recover or catch a

fumble, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass [he may push an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks]

Eligible player behind the NZ pushes an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks to get to a forward pass

Against the runner


Blocking Below the Waist (9-1-6) (2013)Low Blocking Zone (LBZ)


Blocking Below the Waist (9-1-6) (2013)Team A Requirements

LOS players completely in LBZStationary backs at least partially inside tackle box

and partially inside frame of the second lineman from snapper


Blocking Below the Waist (9-1-6) (2013)Team A Requirements

All other players, while ball is still in LBZ must block 10 to 2

All players, after ball has left LBZ must block 10 to 2

These players may not block toward original position of ball

Once ball leaves LBZ, may not block toward own end line

Team B RequirementsMay only BBW in zone 5 yards behind and 5 yards

beyond NZ


Blocking Below the Waist (9-1-6) (2013)Team B Requirements

May not BBW against opponent in position to receive backward pass

May not BBW against eligible receiver beyond NZKicks

BBW not allowedAfter Change of Possession

BBW not allowed


Blocking Below the Waist (9-1-6) (2013)What does 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock mean?


Illegal

Legal

Illegal

IllegalIllegal

Late Hit, Action Out of Bounds (9-1-7)No piling on, falling, or throwing the body on

opponent after the ball is deadNo tackle or blocking runner when he is OOBPlayer may not initiate contact to opponent

when clearly OOBSpot of foul is where blocker crossed SL


Helmet and Facemask Fouls (9-1-8)No continuous contact to facemask with hand

or armNo grasp and twist, turn or pullIncludes ear hole, chin strap, and any opening


Roughing the Passer (9-1-9)No Team B player may charge into or throw a

passer to the ground when the ball has obviously been thrown

Exception: Team B player blocked into passer is not a foul


Chop Blocking (9-1-10)Not allowedWhat is “Chop Blocking?”

High-Low or low-high combo block to an opponentWith or without a delayException: Not a foul if opponent initiates contact


Leverage, Leaping and Landing (9-1-11)Team B may not stand, step or jump on

opponentTeam B may not run from beyond NZ to block

kick and land on any playerException: Not a foul if aligned within 1 yard of NZ

at snapException: Not a foul if leap occurs in or behind NZException: Not a foul if Team A initiates contact

Team B may not leap over the punt shieldException: Not a foul if leap is in the gap (between

players)Exception: Not a foul if leap is straight up


Contact Against an Opponent Out of the Play (9-1-12)Receiver may not be tackled or run into when a

pass is obviously uncatchableNOTE: This a personal foul and not DPI

Player may not run into or throw himself against a player obviously out of the play (live or dead)


Hurdling (9-1-13)Not allowedWhat is “Hurdling?”

A player attempting to jump with one or both feet or knees over a player who is still on his feet

NOTE: “On his feet” means nothing other than a foot or feet are in contact with the ground


Contact Against the Snapper (9-1-14)When in SK formation, 1 second must pass

before Team B contacts the snapper


Horse Collar Tackle (9-1-15)Grabbing of the inside back collar of jersey or

padsGrabbing of the inside side collar or jersey or

padsBall carrier must be pulled down immediatelyException: Does not apply in the tackle box


Roughing or Running into Kicker or Holder (9-1-16)When obvious a SK will be madeRunning into Kicker or Holder

Must be displaced from original position but not roughed5-yard penalty from previous spot

Incidental contact is not a foul (make it be there)Kicker’s protection ends

When he regains his balanceWhen he carries the ball outside the tackle box

Exception: Team B player blocked into kickerException: Team B player touches kickWhen in Question: Foul is Roughing


Continued Participation without Helmet (9-1-17)Once helmet comes off, player may not

continue to playThis applies even if he puts his helmet back on

He may finish the action in which he is engaged


Unsportsmanlike Acts (9-2-1)Prohibited Acts

Abusive or threatening language or gesturesEngage in acts of ill willPointing of fingers, hand, arm, or ball at opponentVerbal taunting, baiting, or ridiculingSimulating the firing of a weaponPlacing hand on ear to request recognitionDelayed, prolonged, or choreographed actAltering stride when approaching goal lineRemoving helmet before in the team area or during live ballPunching chest or crossing arms while standing over playerDead ball contact such as pushing, shoving, or striking (2013)PENALTY: Live…15-yards (3-and-1) | Dead…15-yards

succeeding spotPENLATY: By non-players…15-yards succeeding spotPENALTY: Team B fouls automatic 1st down

Section 2: Unsportsmanlike Conduct

After a Score or Any Other PlayNot returning ball to official or leaving in

immediate areaKicking, throwing, or spinning ballSpiking ballThrowing the ball high in the airAny other acts that delay the gamePENLATY: Dead ball…15-yards succeeding spotPENALTY: Team B fouls automatic 1st down


Other Prohibited ActsCoaches, substitutes, attendants may not be in field

or playCoaches, substitutes, attendants may not be

outside 25 yrd lnNo DQ’d player may in view of fieldNo person or mascot on field of play or EZ without

permission from RSubstitute entering field for purposes other than

replacing playerBands may not prohibit a team from hearing its

signalsPENALTY: Dead ball…15-yards succeeding spotPENALTY: Team B fouls automatic 1st down


Unfair Tactics (9-2-2)Cannot conceal ball in equipment or clothingCannot use an object to replace the ballNo substitutions used to confuse opponentsNo equipment used to confuse opponentsIllegal Cleats (includes DQ)PENLATY: 15-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: Team B fouls automatic 1st down


Unfair Acts (9-2-3)While the ball is in play

Interference with ball by someone other than a player or official

Interference with a player or official by someone other than a player or official

A team refuses to play within 2:00 when ordered by RTeam repeatedly commits fouls which are half

distanceAny other obviously unfair actPENALTY: Referee may take any action equitablePENALTY: Referee may award a scorePENLATY: Referee may suspend or forfeit gamePENLATY: Referee may enforce 15-yard penalty or

repeat down


Contacting an Official (9-2-4)No one may intentionally contact an official

forciblyPENALTY: Dead ball…15-yards and DQPENALTY: Automatic first down for Team B

fouls


Game Administration Interference (9-2-4)While ball is in play

Coaches, substitutes and attendants may no be between SL and coaching line or on field

PENALTY: Dead ball…5-yards (first infraction)PENALTY: Dead ball…5-yards (second infraction)PENALTY: Dead ball…15-yards and auto first down

(three or more infractions)


Disqualified Players (9-2-6)Two UNS fouls = DQPlayer must leave playing enclosure and

remain out of view of field


Who May Block (9-3-1)Either team provided it is not DPI, KCI, or PF

Section 3: Blocking, Use of Hands/Arms

Interfering or Helping the Ball Carrier/Passer (9-3-2)Ball carrier may use hands or armsBall carrier shall not grasp teammateTeammate may push ball carrier (2013)Teammate may not pull, grasp, or lift ball

carrierPENALTY: 5-yards (3-and-1)


Use of Hands or Arms by Offense (9-3-3)Blocking is allowed with the hands, shoulder or

armsHands shall be in advance of the elbowHands shall be inside the frame of the opponent’s

bodyHands shall be at or below the shoulder of the

blocker and opponentHands shall be open with the palms facing

opponent's framePENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: 10-yards previous spot for fouls by A

behind NZ


Use of Hands or Arms by Offense (9-3-3)Holding or Illegal Obstruction

Hands and arms may not be used to grasp, pull or encircle

Hands and arms may not be used to hook or clampPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: 10-yards previous spot for fouls by A

behind NZPENALTY: Safety if by Team A behind GL


Use of Hands or Arms by Offense (9-3-3)Block in the Back is Illegal

Exception: Offensive players on LOS at snap in blocking zone


Use of Hands or Arms by Offense (9-3-3)Block in the Back is Illegal

Exception: When opponent turns his backException: When a player attempts to reach runnerException: When a player attempts to recover

fumble, backward pass, kick, or touched forward pass

Exception: When eligible player behind NZ pushes opponent in back above waist to get to forward pass

PENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: 10-yards previous spot for fouls by A

behind NZPENALTY: Safety if by Team A behind GL


Use of Hands or Arms by Offense (9-3-3)The Following are Illegal Acts

Fist or arm cannot be used to issue a blowContinuous contact to helmet (incl. facemask) w/

hand/armPENALTY: 15-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: 15-yards previous spot for fouls by A

behind NZPENALTY: Safety if by Team A behind GLPENALTY: DQ if flagrantPENALTY: On FK or SK, option of Team B (Prev or

DB Spot)


Use of Hands or Arms by Defense (9-3-4)May Use Hands or Arms

To push, pull, ward off, or lift opponent to reach runnerTo push, pull, ward off, or lift opponent blocking themTo legally block eligible receiver until at same yard lineTo ward off or block opponent to reach loose ball

During fumble, backward pass, or kickDuring any forward pass that crossed NZ and touched

May Not Use Hands or ArmsTo tackle, hold, or illegally obstruct opponentException: The runnerPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENLATY: 15-yards (3-and-1)


Use of Hands or Arms by Defense (9-3-4)When Legal Forward Pass Crosses NZ

Contact fouls beyond NZ are enforced at previous spot

Exception: Pass Interference


Use of Hands or Arms by Defense (9-3-4)Player Restrictions

No player may stand on back or shoulder of teammate before snapPENALTY: 15-yards (succeeding spot)

No defensive player in order to block, bat or catch a kick:May not jump or stand on a teammatePlace a hand on teammate to gain additional heightBe picked up by a teammate, elevated, propelled, or

pushedPENALTY: 15-yards (previous spot)


Use of Hands or Arms by Defense (9-3-4)When Ball is Loose

No player shall:Hold an opponentIllegally block an opponent in the backTwist, turn, or pull opponent’s facemaskIllegally use hands to commit a personal foulPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENLATY: 15-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: Previous spot for fouls by A behind NZPENALTY: Safety if by Team A behind GL


Batting a Loose Ball (9-4-1)While pass in flight, only eligible player may

bat in any directionAny player may block a SKNo player shall bat other loose balls:

Forward in the field or playIn any direction in the EZ

PENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: Loss of down by Team A

Exception: When SK is beyond NZ

Section 4: Batting and Kicking

Batting a Backward Pass in Flight (9-4-2)May not be batted forward by passing teamPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)


Batting Ball in Possession (9-4-3)May not be batted forward by a player of that

teamPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)


Illegally Kicking Ball (9-4-4)A player shall not kick:

A loose ballA forward passA ball held for a placekick by opponentPENALTY: 10-yards (3-and-1)PENALTY: Loss of down by Team A

Exception: When SK is beyond NZ


Before or After Game (9-5-1)Fighting is not permittedPENALTY: 15-yards (succeeding spot)PENALTY: Loss of down for Team B foulsPENALTY: DQ for current game and next game

(MIAA)

Section 5: Fighting

Player Ejection (9-6-1)DQ for current game and next game (MIAA)

Foul Not Called (9-6-2)Not applicable in MIAAIn NCAA, Conference may review

Section 6: Flagrant Personal Fouls

Video Review: Blocking Below Waist

Video Review: Targeting

A 2/2 A30. A24 runs to the A36 and braces for contact with B55 by bowing his head and driving forward into B55 by placing the top of his helmet in B55’s chest. Ruling?

RULING: Legal Play. This is a new foul in the NFL and not under NCAA rules.

Question 1

A 3/19 B45. A84 catches a pass along the sideline in stride at the B30. After the catch, A84 takes one stride and is hit hard by B48 who makes the contact in his normal stride. In the hit, B48 contacts A84 shoulder to shoulder so that his facemask is in A84’s chest. The impact knocks A84 out of bounds at the B28. Ruling?

RULING: This is a good, hard football play. There is no foul. Contact was not at the neck or head area.

Question 2

A 1/10 B27. A89 leaves his feet to catch a pass above his head at the B18. B37 is approaching A89 from the side. As A89 tucks the ball away and returns to the ground in an upright position, B37 launches and contacts A89 in the helmet with his shoulder. A89 goes down hard to the ground with the hit maintaining possession of the ball, but quickly gets up and is not injured on the play. Ruling?

RULING: Live-ball foul for targeting a defenseless player; half the distance to the goal plus automatic 1st down. A 1/G B9. B37 is disqualified.

Question 3

A 4/3 B46. A32 is tackled at the B42. Behind the play and after the ball is declared dead, B99 approaches A76 aggressively and is heard saying something “colorful” to A76 about A76’s mother. A76 then punches B99 in the helmet. Ruling?

RULING: Dead-ball foul for UNS on B99. A76 has fouled for fighting. A76 is DQ’d for fighting and since B99’s UNS act caused A76 to retaliate by fighting, B99 is also DQ’d. The dead-ball fouls offset. A 1/10 B42.

Question 4

A 1/G B4. A44 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. After the play is over, A77 and B71 continue to push and shove one another well after the play is over. The officials throw flags on both players. Ruling?

RULING: New in 2013, both players have committed a foul for UNS. The fouls offset and proceed to the Try. Officials must be sure to record the numbers of these players. A second UNS by either player will be cause for DQ. If at all possible, talk to the players to prevent a foul.

Question 5

conduct of players and others subject to the rules “the assault & battery rule” gary s....

Documents

foul slide

nz slide

team b player

opponent team b

runner slide

team b team b option

crown slide

knee slide