INDOOR BULLET #3INDOOR BULLET #3

THE CONCEPT OF THE CONCEPT OF “DAYLIGHT”“DAYLIGHT”

DecemberDecember 30, 200830, 2008

Illegal formation calls will not be Illegal formation calls will not be missed in 2009!missed in 2009!

That is, if any portion of the back’s or That is, if any portion of the back’s or linebacker’s body breaks the plane of the rear linebacker’s body breaks the plane of the rear most portion of the linemen, there is no most portion of the linemen, there is no “daylight” and thus, we have an illegal “daylight” and thus, we have an illegal formation.formation.

Rule H, in part, discusses “Player Alignment.”Rule H, in part, discusses “Player Alignment.”

Official will interpret “daylight” by utilizing the Official will interpret “daylight” by utilizing the concept we use when discussing “breaking the concept we use when discussing “breaking the plane” of the goal line.plane” of the goal line.

In 2009, Rule H will state there must be In 2009, Rule H will state there must be “Daylight” between the back and “Daylight” between the back and allall offensive offensive linemen. Likewise, there must be “Daylight” linemen. Likewise, there must be “Daylight” between the linebackers and between the linebackers and allall defensive defensive linemen.linemen.

This is the plane at the rear most portion of the This is the plane at the rear most portion of the deepest defensive lineman.deepest defensive lineman.

The linebackers in this cut DO NOT break the plane The linebackers in this cut DO NOT break the plane of the rear most defensive lineman.of the rear most defensive lineman.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

This is the plane at the rear most portion This is the plane at the rear most portion of the deepest offensive lineman.of the deepest offensive lineman.

The back in this cut DOES NOT break the plane The back in this cut DOES NOT break the plane of the rear most part of the offensive lineman.of the rear most part of the offensive lineman.

This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.There is no daylight between the right guard and There is no daylight between the right guard and

the running back.the running back.

This is simply too close to call.This is simply too close to call.Therefore, our interpretation will be that Therefore, our interpretation will be that this is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.this is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.

This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.There is daylight between the right guard There is daylight between the right guard

and the running back.and the running back.

There is no daylight between the left guard and the There is no daylight between the left guard and the running back.running back.This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.

There is daylight between the center and the There is daylight between the center and the linebackers.linebackers.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

There is daylight on both sides of the ball.There is daylight on both sides of the ball.These are LEGAL FORMATIONS.These are LEGAL FORMATIONS.

Therefore, our interpretation will be that Therefore, our interpretation will be that this is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.this is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.

This is too close to call.This is too close to call.

This is a LEGAL FORMATION, but it is This is a LEGAL FORMATION, but it is about as close as you can get to having about as close as you can get to having

daylight and being legal.daylight and being legal.

There is just about enough daylight between the There is just about enough daylight between the right guard and the linebacker’s foot.right guard and the linebacker’s foot.

There is daylight between the right guard and the There is daylight between the right guard and the running back.running back.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

Officiating Staff, Coaches, and Players – “Daylight” is a simple Officiating Staff, Coaches, and Players – “Daylight” is a simple concept. NO PART OF A RUNNING BACK OR LINEBACKER concept. NO PART OF A RUNNING BACK OR LINEBACKER MAY “BREAK THE PLANE” OF THE LINE DRAWN THROUGH MAY “BREAK THE PLANE” OF THE LINE DRAWN THROUGH THE REAR MOST PORTION OF THE REAR MOST DOWN THE REAR MOST PORTION OF THE REAR MOST DOWN LINEMAN.LINEMAN.

It is the back’s or linebacker’s responsibility to make sure there It is the back’s or linebacker’s responsibility to make sure there is daylight, as interpreted herein, between him and the deepest is daylight, as interpreted herein, between him and the deepest lineman’s body part, be it the lineman’s foot or his rear-end. lineman’s body part, be it the lineman’s foot or his rear-end. This player must ensure there is daylight between himself and This player must ensure there is daylight between himself and ALL DOWN LINEMAN …ALL DOWN LINEMAN …

… … not just the lineman in front of him! not just the lineman in front of him!

An illegal formation is a 5-yard live ball foul.An illegal formation is a 5-yard live ball foul.

If in doubt, the running back or linebacker should take a step If in doubt, the running back or linebacker should take a step back, because if it is too close for the official to determine in back, because if it is too close for the official to determine in an instant, the formation will be ruled as illegal.an instant, the formation will be ruled as illegal.

Officials and Players – be especially wary of this concept near Officials and Players – be especially wary of this concept near the goal line, where running backs and linebackers have a the goal line, where running backs and linebackers have a natural tendency to “scoot up” towards the line of natural tendency to “scoot up” towards the line of scrimmage.scrimmage.

Wing Officials will follow this guideline: If you must think more Wing Officials will follow this guideline: If you must think more than a split second about whether daylight exists, it does not than a split second about whether daylight exists, it does not exist! Flag it!exist! Flag it!

If you are too close, your team will be penalized.If you are too close, your team will be penalized.

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.This formation falls into the category of ‘too close to This formation falls into the category of ‘too close to call.’ If it is too close to call, we will rule we have no call.’ If it is too close to call, we will rule we have no

daylight, therefore it is a foul. daylight, therefore it is a foul.

The left side linebacker's head breaks the plane of The left side linebacker's head breaks the plane of the rear most portion of the right guard's foot. Thus, the rear most portion of the right guard's foot. Thus,

this formation is illegal.this formation is illegal.This is an illegal formation.This is an illegal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

This is a live ball foul. If accepted, it is a 5-yard penalty This is a live ball foul. If accepted, it is a 5-yard penalty from the previous spot.from the previous spot.

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

This formation falls into the category of “ridiculous” or This formation falls into the category of “ridiculous” or “You gotta’ be kidding me!!!” This must be flagged!! “You gotta’ be kidding me!!!” This must be flagged!!

This is ridiculous! The linebacker is in the gap!This is ridiculous! The linebacker is in the gap!

This better be flagged as illegal!!!!This better be flagged as illegal!!!!This is an illegal formation.This is an illegal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?This is a live ball foul. If accepted, it is a 5-yard penalty This is a live ball foul. If accepted, it is a 5-yard penalty

from the previous spot.from the previous spot.

Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Look at the offensive formation.Look at the offensive formation.

The running back has ensured there is daylight The running back has ensured there is daylight between him and the rear most portion of the deepest between him and the rear most portion of the deepest

lineman which in this case, happens to be the right lineman which in this case, happens to be the right guard. Thus, this formation is legal.guard. Thus, this formation is legal.

This is a legal formation.This is a legal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Look at both the offensive and defensive formations.Look at both the offensive and defensive formations.PLAYERS – ENSURE YOU DO NOT BREAK THE PLAYERS – ENSURE YOU DO NOT BREAK THE PLANE OF THE REAR MOST PORTION OF THE PLANE OF THE REAR MOST PORTION OF THE

DEEPEST LINEMAN!DEEPEST LINEMAN!The offense is in a legal formation.The offense is in a legal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?What about the defense? Is the What about the defense? Is the

defensive formation legal or illegal?defensive formation legal or illegal?The defense is in a legal formation.The defense is in a legal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

PLAYERS REMEMBER – If the official has to think for PLAYERS REMEMBER – If the official has to think for more than a split second as to whether there is more than a split second as to whether there is

daylight or not, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE AND YOU daylight or not, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE AND YOU WILL BE FLAGGED!WILL BE FLAGGED!

BE ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THIS NEAR THE BE ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THIS NEAR THE GOAL LINE, WHEN YOUR NATURAL TENDENCY GOAL LINE, WHEN YOUR NATURAL TENDENCY

WILL BE TO "SCOOT UP” TO THE LINE OF WILL BE TO "SCOOT UP” TO THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGESCRIMMAGE

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

This was an easy one. The official doesn't have to think about it This was an easy one. The official doesn't have to think about it at all. Players, if you want to play games by scooting up very at all. Players, if you want to play games by scooting up very

close, and you end up making the official have to think about it close, and you end up making the official have to think about it for a split second, then you are too close and you will be the for a split second, then you are too close and you will be the

cause of an illegal formation.cause of an illegal formation.

Neither linebacker breaks the plane of the rear most Neither linebacker breaks the plane of the rear most portion of the deepest defensive lineman which in portion of the deepest defensive lineman which in this case appears to be the right guard. Thus, this this case appears to be the right guard. Thus, this

formation is LEGAL.formation is LEGAL.

This is a legal formation.This is a legal formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?Players, make it easy on yourself. GET BACK!Players, make it easy on yourself. GET BACK!

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?

This is a LEGAL FORMATION, but barely. (and This is a LEGAL FORMATION, but barely. (and we are looking at this formation from a poor angle we are looking at this formation from a poor angle – the wing on the line of scrimmage probably will – the wing on the line of scrimmage probably will

see that there is daylight.) see that there is daylight.)

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

If both linebackers are any closer, this would be illegal. If both linebackers are any closer, this would be illegal. We get the point, correct? We get the point, correct?

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

There’s no daylight. The left linebacker is not only too There’s no daylight. The left linebacker is not only too close to the center and guard; he breaks the plane of close to the center and guard; he breaks the plane of

the right foot of the right guard. the right foot of the right guard.

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?

This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

The left linebacker is clearly breaking the plane of the The left linebacker is clearly breaking the plane of the right guard’s foot. It also appears as if the right right guard’s foot. It also appears as if the right

linebacker’s left leg breaks the plane of the right linebacker’s left leg breaks the plane of the right guard’s foot. guard’s foot.

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?This is a LEGAL FORMATION. An easy This is a LEGAL FORMATION. An easy

one to determine.one to determine.Look at the offensive formation.Look at the offensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. This This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. This one is easy and needs no explanation. one is easy and needs no explanation.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?

This is a LEGAL FORMATION. Too bad This is a LEGAL FORMATION. Too bad all formations can’t be this simple!all formations can’t be this simple!Look at the defensive formation. Look at the defensive formation.

Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?Is the offensive formation legal or illegal?This is a LEGAL FORMATION.This is a LEGAL FORMATION.

Look at the offensive formation.Look at the offensive formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. The This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. The

left linebacker’s right foot breaks the left linebacker’s right foot breaks the plane of the right guard’s right foot. plane of the right guard’s right foot.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?Is the defensive formation legal or illegal?This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. This This is an ILLEGAL FORMATION. This is simply too obvious, and this call will is simply too obvious, and this call will

not be missed.not be missed.

Look at the defensive formation.Look at the defensive formation.Your answer is?Your answer is?

If daylight is enforced correctly in the first game If daylight is enforced correctly in the first game of the season, and enforced in EVERY ARENA IN of the season, and enforced in EVERY ARENA IN THIS MANNER, we should have no issues with THIS MANNER, we should have no issues with this call. this call.

In closing, daylight is a simple concept to understand In closing, daylight is a simple concept to understand and comprehend.and comprehend.

If any portion (any portion means any portion – If any portion (any portion means any portion – including helmet, foot, hand) breaks the plane of including helmet, foot, hand) breaks the plane of the rear most portion of the rear most portion of the the rear most portion of the rear most portion of the rear most lineman (usually his foot), we have an rear most lineman (usually his foot), we have an illegal formation. PLAYERS? GET BACK!illegal formation. PLAYERS? GET BACK!

Simply think of the age-old concept in football Simply think of the age-old concept in football known as “breaking the plane.”known as “breaking the plane.”