I know we still have not seen the 'final' rule language regarding the changes to Blocking Below the waist, but I need a little help understanding the part of the new rule related to stationary backs within the Tackle Box (TB), if anybody has any positive information.
In 2017, a stationary BACK, positioned at least partially within the TB, and at least partially within the frame of the body of the second lineman from the snapper at the snap, was allowed to block in ANY direction, and from the side or font of the opponent, until they, or the ball, left the tackle box. That was 2017.
For 2018, according to the new 9-1-6-a-1, only linemen within the tackle box are permitted to block below the waist from the side, and then only until the ball leaves the TB. Everybody else, and at all other times and locations, must block from the front, if blocking below the waist. And, per 2018 9-1-6-a-3, "Players in motion at the snap or lined up outside the tackle box may not block below the waist toward the original position of the ball at the snap." I'm not an English language or writing scholar, but, by my reading of this language, a stationary back may still BBW TOWARD THE BALL, as long as the block is from the front. Motion man = restricted to from the front, and not toward the ball. Back positioned outside the TB = restricted to from the front, and not toward the ball. But, I see nothing that prohibits a stationary back, within the TB at the snap, from BBW toward the ball (as long it is is from the front).
Can someone corroborate this understanding of the new rule? Or, contradict it, with something in writing?
Related, but not of such concern, is the definition of "...outside the tackle box..." We don't see the word partially, anywhere, so that would 'seem' to mean that he must not have any part of his body within the TB to be considered "outside." So, if his leg in inside the TB, then he isn't "outside." Anybody have any confirming or contradictory information?
Robert