I've been doing some offseason rules study to prepare for my first year under Texas (NCAA/UIL) rules, and making adjustments in my mindset to move away from NHFS rules. I have typically worked as HL.
I have started reviewing the document from NCAA Publication at the link below (Just to make sure I have the correct book --
http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4309-2013-and-2014-ncaa-football-rules-and-interpretations.aspx)
During my time in Michigan, the "free-blocking zone" was something that was often discussed and seemed like there was alot of variations on the way it was interpreted. So, as I am reviewing rule 2 and come across the "blocking zone" and "low-blocking zone", I thought I would pose a few questions to ensure I am understanding the rule correctly.
For reference: 2-3-6 & 7
ARTICLE 6. a. The blocking zone is a rectangle centered on the middle lineman
of the offensive formation and extending five yards laterally and three yards
longitudinally in each direction. (See Appendix D.)
b. The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone.
ARTICLE 7. a. The low-blocking zone is the rectangle that extends seven yards
laterally in each direction from the snapper, five yards beyond the neutral zone
and back to Team A’s end line. (See Appendix D .)
b. The low-blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone.
Appendix D is on page 125 of the .pdf file.
Under NFHS rules, the "free-blocking zone" would disintegrate on a shotgun snap b/c the ball would leave the zone (3 yards in all directions from snapper).
The way I read the NCAA rule, since the "low-blocking zone" extends 7 yards to each side of the snapper and all the way back to Team A's end line, there would essentially be no restriction on team A blocking low until either (a) the ball carrier leaves the zone/passer scrambles outside 7 yards from snapper, or (b) a pass is thrown outside of the zone.
Hypothetically, if Team A is in shotgun formation and the ball was snapped straight back over the QB and goes back 20 yards, but does not go outside of 7 yards laterally...as the QB is scrambling, would it be legal for a lineman to cut a Team B rusher low 15 yards behind LOS?
Can anyone comment on a rule-of-thumb for blocking action with regard to the "low-blocking zone" under Texas rules?
Also, can anyone explain the rationale/philosophy behind why there is a distinction between the "blocking zone" and the "low-blocking zone"?
Thanks,
Hef
