Poll: Is This a Legal Block?

[NVFOA_Ump]

This still picture of a block was cut from the third video clip entitled "Tripping" on Rom Gilbert's recent posting on The Pigskin Page, "Upon Further Review" - 2011 Post-Season - Week 1 Clips here:

http://www.romgilbert.us/2011vidclip15.htm

It is an action by the center who dives, extends an arm, and gets the MLB at the ankles taking him down and out of the play.  Is this a foul, and if yes which rule was violated?


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[Atlanta Blue]

If the hand is open and doesn't hook, and is simply pushing, I would think it was legal.  But it sure seems like the tendency would be for the hand to grab or hook the ankle in that situation, which would make it illegal use of hands.

Tripping is defined as using the foot or leg, not the hands.

[Hank]

If the hand is open and doesn't hook, and is simply pushing, I would think it was legal.  But it sure seems like the tendency would be for the hand to grab or hook the ankle in that situation, which would make it illegal use of hands.

When I saw this video, it sure seemed like HOLDING to me.  But the U is right there.  I suppose it's possible that it was a legal block, but it seems unlikely.

[NVFOA_Ump]

A followup question.  If the blocker was standing on his feet in the same location and orientation in the photo and extended his right arm out similar to the motion here, so it's across the chest of the defender instead of across the ankles, what would we have?

[Mike L]

Looks like a legal BBW the waist to me.
As for "still standing but extending an arm"....at first it's probably nothing, but has a high potential to become a hold since I doubt any blocker as enough strength in an extended arm to adequately restrict the defensive player without grabbing on.

[110]

Illegal use of hands/hold: I got nylon.