Brazilian Noob Questions

[zys]

Football is really growing fast in Brazil, but our biggest problem is officiating. For instance, only in 2010 we had official council responsible for officiating our games. We know we are far from being at least average, but we are working hard to get there.

We have many questions, about rules and mechanics, mostly mechanics, as we are still working on our mechanics. I would like to make some questions that, for most of you, will be really noob questions, but we have no one else to ask, so it would really help us grow here if you could help us. Many will notice that many questions will involve some differences between NFL and NCAA rules. That's because we have much more NFL games transmitted here so we're not very familiar with NCAA games.

Our first doubt is about Defensive Pass Interference. Any Brazilian official can make a right call if we are talking about NFL rules, but we don't really understand the NCAA rules. One thing I know is there's no Illegal Contact (NFL has it). So, as I see it, a Team B player may legally block downfield, as long as the pass has not been thrown yet (Rule 7-3-8-c-3) and the Team A player has not "passed" the Team B player (Rule 9-3-4-c). It's also legal to block a Team A player who's not in position to receive a pass (Rule 7-3-9-c). Is that correct?

[Grant - AR]

Football is really growing fast in Brazil, but our biggest problem is officiating. For instance, only in 2010 we had official council responsible for officiating our games. We know we are far from being at least average, but we are working hard to get there.

We have many questions, about rules and mechanics, mostly mechanics, as we are still working on our mechanics. I would like to make some questions that, for most of you, will be really noob questions, but we have no one else to ask, so it would really help us grow here if you could help us. Many will notice that many questions will involve some differences between NFL and NCAA rules. That's because we have much more NFL games transmitted here so we're not very familiar with NCAA games.

zys, welcome to the board.  You will find that there are many, many officials on here who are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.  They range from first year officials to officials with more than 20 years of experience at the D1 level.  Please ask any and all questions you might have.  Also, feel free to send me a personal message on here or an email at grant@refstripes.com if you have questions that you don't want to post in the forum.

Our first doubt is about Defensive Pass Interference. Any Brazilian official can make a right call if we are talking about NFL rules, but we don't really understand the NCAA rules. One thing I know is there's no Illegal Contact (NFL has it). So, as I see it, a Team B player may legally block downfield, as long as the pass has not been thrown yet (Rule 7-3-8-c-3) and the Team A player has not "passed" the Team B player (Rule 9-3-4-c). It's also legal to block a Team A player who's not in position to receive a pass (Rule 7-3-9-c). Is that correct?

I think you just about have it down for pass interference.  You are correct that there is no illegal contact the way the NFL rule is written.  There are 6 basic categories of defensive pass interference.  They are:

• Not playing the ball
• Playing through the back
• Arm bar
• Cutting off the receiver's path to the ball
• Hook and turn
• Grab and restrict

Offensive pass interference includes blocking downfield, creating separation, and driving through the defender. 

Just remember that to have pass interference, you have to have a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and it must be catchable by the receiver being interfered with.

[Etref]

Just remember that to have pass interference, you have to have a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and it must be catchable by the receiver being interfered with. 
 
 
 


Lastly, there must be contact.

[Diablo]

xys,
If you have purchased one already, I suggest to get a copy of Redding's Study Guide - NCAA Football.  It is an excellent companion to read alongside the NCAA Football Rules & Interpretations.  I think you can get one at Double S Distributors or Honigs.

[Osric Pureheart]

I could be making this up, but I seem to recall reading something somewhere a while back about a possible arrangement for you guys to take the BAFRA mechanics manual.  Did that work out, or did I dream it?

[Grant - AR]

Just remember that to have pass interference, you have to have a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and it must be catchable by the receiver being interfered with. 


Lastly, there must be contact.

Good point, Rick.

[rickref]

Just remember that to have pass interference, you have to have a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and it must be catchable by the receiver being interfered with. 
 
 
 


Lastly, there must be contact.

With some INTENT to impede.

[TXMike]

Football is really growing fast in Brazil, but our biggest problem is officiating. For instance, only in 2010 we had official council responsible for officiating our games. We know we are far from being at least average, but we are working hard to get there.

We have many questions, about rules and mechanics, mostly mechanics, as we are still working on our mechanics. I would like to make some questions that, for most of you, will be really noob questions, but we have no one else to ask, so it would really help us grow here if you could help us. Many will notice that many questions will involve some differences between NFL and NCAA rules. That's because we have much more NFL games transmitted here so we're not very familiar with NCAA games.

Our first doubt is about Defensive Pass Interference. Any Brazilian official can make a right call if we are talking about NFL rules, but we don't really understand the NCAA rules. One thing I know is there's no Illegal Contact (NFL has it). So, as I see it, a Team B player may legally block downfield, as long as the pass has not been thrown yet (Rule 7-3-8-c-3) and the Team A player has not "passed" the Team B player (Rule 9-3-4-c). It's also legal to block a Team A player who's not in position to receive a pass (Rule 7-3-9-c). Is that correct?

Are you Mr Vasques from Rio?

[zys]

I could be making this up, but I seem to recall reading something somewhere a while back about a possible arrangement for you guys to take the BAFRA mechanics manual.  Did that work out, or did I dream it?

I'm not aware of that, but sounds like a good idea.

xys,
If you have purchased one already, I suggest to get a copy of Redding's Study Guide - NCAA Football.  It is an excellent companion to read alongside the NCAA Football Rules & Interpretations.  I think you can get one at Double S Distributors or Honigs.

I'll check if they have international shipping.

Are you Mr Vasques from Rio?

No. My name is Thiago Zys and I live in Cuiabá. We could say Daniel Vasques is my mentor. He's not officiating anymore, as he's into other projects now.

[chymechowder]

Are you Mr Vasques from Rio?

This sounds like film noir dialogue.   

[TXMike]

I met Daniel during the Pan Am games down there.  Even went out to one of his training sessions/games.  He was trying to translate the rulebook which had to be a huge undertaking. Best wishes to him if you see him.

[zys]

I met Daniel during the Pan Am games down there.  Even went out to one of his training sessions/games.  He was trying to translate the rulebook which had to be a huge undertaking. Best wishes to him if you see him.

Sure, what's your name? Just to mention, I'm updating his work with the rulebook: he translated the 2008 version, I'm working on the current version. We will make sure we have the A. R. published this time.

[James]

Hi Thiago
greetings from Germany.
You have found the best place to get advice and counselling. The point about the BAFRA manual is important - the have a really well thought our manual (last one I saw at least) that will help you a lot.
Good luck with all the work you are going to have, and don't be afraid that any question is too simple or stupid to post. If you are wondering about something there are at least 2 other people here that read the forum and also would like to know.

[zys]

I think you just about have it down for pass interference.  You are correct that there is no illegal contact the way the NFL rule is written.  There are 6 basic categories of defensive pass interference.  They are:

• Not playing the ball
• Playing through the back
• Arm bar
• Cutting off the receiver's path to the ball
• Hook and turn
• Grab and restrict

Offensive pass interference includes blocking downfield, creating separation, and driving through the defender. 

Just remember that to have pass interference, you have to have a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and it must be catchable by the receiver being interfered with.

Let me get this straight: what is considered continuous contact stated on Rule 9-3-4-c? I mean, if a Team B player may block a Team A player, as long as the pass has not been thrown, he can only bump him?

[Dommer1]

zys!

Welcome to the board! This is an excellent place to learn.

I had some contact with Vasques through IFAF, and please feel free to continue where he left off. You can reach me through my nickname with "@hotmail.com" added to it.

I strongly suggest you get the BAFRA/EFAF manual. It's the best written and most complete officiating manual I have seen. And I've seen the ones from NF, CCA, NFL stuff, JUCO stuff.

[RickKY]

This is a great place to get help with rules and more, but should supplement other formal training.  I would recommend the books others have, and also clinics, film review, and classroom style training.  I hope you're gettin some of that.

[Chester]

Forgive my ignorance but what does Noob mean?

[chymechowder]

it's an ethnic slur for south americans.

haha, no.  it's short for NEWBIE.  someone new to a forum, often.

[Getting Fat]

Clearly Chester does not play World of Warcraft.

[zys]

First, thanks to all for the wellcoming.

Now my next doubt is about A. R. 1-4-2-IV and V.

A.R. 1-4-2-IV says: "A33,  an  exception  to  the  mandatory  numbering  rule,  assumes  a position on the line of scrimmage next to end A88. Before the snap, A88  shifts  to  a backfield position with  the  flanker on  the opposite side  of  the  line  shifting  to  an  end  position  on  the  line. RULING: Illegal  formation.  Since  A33  is  now  an  end,  he  is  in  an  illegal position  at  the  snap  (live-ball  foul).  Penalty—five  yards,  previous spot."

A. R. 1-4-2-V says: "A33,  an  exception  to  the  mandatory  numbering  rule,  assumes  a position on  the  line of  scrimmage  to  the  left of  snapper A85, who is on the end of the line. All other Team A players on the line are to A33’s left. After a one-second stop, all players on the line except A85 legally shift to the other side of the ball, with A33 now positioned as an end. RULING:  If  the ball  is snapped with A33  in  this position, it  is  a  foul  for  an  illegal  formation. A33 must be between  the  end players at the snap. Penalty—five yards, previous spot."

Why can't A33 be an end?

[Kalle]

Why can't A33 be an end?

Because he is an exception to the mandatory numbering. The players are designated as exceptions when the snapper touches (or simulates touching) the ball and will stay as exceptions unless there is a timeout. Rules 1-4-2-b-1 and 2.

[Etref]

First, thanks to all for the wellcoming.

Now my next doubt is about A. R. 1-4-2-IV and V.

A.R. 1-4-2-IV says: "A33,  an  exception  to  the  mandatory  numbering  rule,  assumes  a position on the line of scrimmage next to end A88. Before the snap, A88  shifts  to  a backfield position with  the  flanker on  the opposite side  of  the  line  shifting  to  an  end  position  on  the  line. RULING: Illegal  formation.  Since  A33  is  now  an  end,  he  is  in  an  illegal position  at  the  snap  (live-ball  foul).  Penalty—five  yards,  previous spot."

A. R. 1-4-2-V says: "A33,  an  exception  to  the  mandatory  numbering  rule,  assumes  a position on  the  line of  scrimmage  to  the  left of  snapper A85, who is on the end of the line. All other Team A players on the line are to A33’s left. After a one-second stop, all players on the line except A85 legally shift to the other side of the ball, with A33 now positioned as an end. RULING:  If  the ball  is snapped with A33  in  this position, it  is  a  foul  for  an  illegal  formation. A33 must be between  the  end players at the snap. Penalty—five yards, previous spot."

Why can't A33 be an end?

A33 was an exception to the numbering rule which was allowable for scrimmage kick formation. He originally assumed a position as a "tackle" (ineligible by position) or restricted lineman and will remain as such during the down.

[zys]

Because he is an exception to the mandatory numbering. The players are designated as exceptions when the snapper touches (or simulates touching) the ball and will stay as exceptions unless there is a timeout. Rules 1-4-2-b-1 and 2.

A33 was an exception to the numbering rule which was allowable for scrimmage kick formation. He originally assumed a position as a "tackle" (ineligible by position) or restricted lineman and will remain as such during the down.

OK, I see it. Thanks.

On A. R. 3-5-2-VII, the ruling states a penalty of five or 15 yards "depending upon defensive coverage". How does that work?

[Kalle]

On A. R. 3-5-2-VII, the ruling states a penalty of five or 15 yards "depending upon defensive coverage". How does that work?

If the defense doesn't cover the non-player, it's 15, if he is covered it is only five. Basically, if the defense is fooled into thinking he isn't going to play, it's 15.

[zys]

If the defense doesn't cover the non-player, it's 15, if he is covered it is only five. Basically, if the defense is fooled into thinking he isn't going to play, it's 15.

OK, thanks.

On A. R. 6-3-2-II Team A gets the ball, besides their touching violation, but A. R. 6-3-2-I states that Team B "may play the ball with the assurance that it later may elect the ball at any spot of illegal touching". So why on A. R. 6-3-2-II Team B can't get the ball on the spot of illegal touching?