Legal Block below the waist or not

[mriguy]

Guys, need a rule clarification: Team A is in spread formation with 1 running back 5 yards deep in the backfield, QB drops back to pass and the tailback comes up to line of scrimmage and cuts blitzing LB. Is this legal?   Please include rule reference and any play situations. Thanks

[TxSkyBolt]

Depends...Where was he lined up?  Which direction was the block?  Cannot make a determination with the limited information you provided.

Best regards,

Brad

[jrfath]

Simplified...If the back was was stationary at the snap, lined up within the frames of the tackles, he may block below the waste in any direction (as long as it is not a clip)

[NVFOA_Ump]

A related thread from a week or two ago:

http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?topic=7074.0

Also see attachments:

[attachment deleted by admin]

[TxJugster]

Is there any play where a player in within tackle box could get an illegal block below the waist or Crackback block?

I am thinking of a sweep play where a FB sweeps outside of the box and then cuts the flowing MLB back towards the original position of the ball.

[Morningrise]

Is there any play where a player in within tackle box could get an illegal block below the waist or Crackback block?

I am thinking of a sweep play where a FB sweeps outside of the box and then cuts the flowing MLB back towards the original position of the ball.

Sounds completely legal under NCAA rules. Players can leave the tackle box and still legally crackback.

[clearwall]

Im still new, but I see two reasons this is legal:

A: as mentioned, the back is between the tackle boxes
B: Illegal crackback applies to players 7 yards from the furthest lineman, correct?

[NVFOA_Ump]

B: Illegal crackback applies to players 7 yards from the furthest lineman, correct?

No, that's not correct.  You need to look at the two attachments above.  The descriptions were changed in a rules change memo in September 2009.  They are no longer based only on a dimension centered on the snapper.

[TxSkyBolt]

Is there any play where a player in within tackle box could get an illegal block below the waist or Crackback block?

Change of possession.