BBW Summary

[sj_31]

Hi all,

I'm writing a "one-sheet" for our spring training sessions re: new BBW rule. If you all wouldn't mind, please check the following for errors/omissions:
Thanks


--The new rule (for Team A) shifts the focus from player positioning/player direction (with exception of a peelback) to the block itself. The main focus what we no must judge is whether a low block, including a legal peelback, is from the front (10 o'clock to 2 o'clock in front of the blockee) or from the side.

--First, there are two "zones" we need to know. The new "blocking zone" (TE to TE/normal splits [7 yards wide] from 5 yards beyond the LOS to Team A's end line) and the tackle box that we are already aware of as defined in Rule 2-34. The Tackle Box is "inside" the blocking zone.

--The Tackle Box in this case is only used to define the position of stationary backs. For a back to be in the tackle box per this rule, he needs to be COMPLETELY inside of it, not just catching a piece of it as was acceptable last year.

--The new "Blocking Zone" has two purposes: 1) define the location of lineman (normal TE to TE/7 yards wide) and 2) determine the location of the ball (in or out)

When the ball is in the zone:

--Lineman that are in the Blocking Zone and STATIONARY backs that are completely inside the tackle box may block below the waist from the front or side while in the zone.

--Lineman outside the zone, stationary backs partially or fully outside the the Tackle Box, and backs in motion anywhere may only block below the waist from the front

--Peelback blocks anywhere on the field by anyone are legal (subject to the front/side restriction above) as long as the ball is in the zone.

When the ball is NOT in the zone.

-- All blocks by all Team A players must be from the front

-- Peelbacks by anyone are illegal. Period.


Here is your decision-making process:

Definitions:
"Zone" for linemen/ball: 7 yards wide (normal TE to TE), 5 yards beyond LOS to Team A's end line
"Tackle Box": rule 2-34. Stationary backs completely inside.
"non-restricted": Player position that complies with both definitions above
"restricted": Player that does not meet position requirements above and/or is in motion anywhere
"[Block from] front": A point of contact on the player being blocked that is initiated between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock

1. Is your key "restricted"?
   If yes, all blocks must be from front.
   
   If you observe a peelback block from the front:
      Find the ball.
         Is ball in zone? Yes = Legal, No = Foul

2. Is your key "not restricted"?
   Blocks from front are always legal (exc: see peelback below)
   Is a block from the side?
                           Is the block in the zone?
                                         Yes = Legal, No = foul
      Find the ball.
         Is ball in zone? Yes = Legal, No = foul
   
   If you observe a peelback block from the front or the side:
      Find the ball.
         Is the ball in the zone? Yes = Legal, No = Foul


Items that don't change:
1. Restrictions for Team B (10-yard "strip" and eligible receivers beyond LOS and position to receive backward pass)
2. Restrictions on kick downs
3. Restrictions after COP

Things you no longer need to remember:
1. Adjacent sidelines
2. Direction of motion back
3. Whether or not a back is "catching a piece" of the Tackle Box
4. A peelback block in relation to the line of scrimmage

[VALJ]

As an aspiring NCAA official, I'm not familiar with what a "peelback" block would be.  I don't see it defined in the rulebook, either.  Is that a block back towards A's on goal line?  Is that another term for a "crackback"?

[Sonofanump]

As an aspiring NCAA official, I'm not familiar with what a "peelback" block would be.  I don't see it defined in the rulebook, either.  Is that a block back towards A's on goal line?  Is that another term for a "crackback"?

Block toward own goal line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im6ouVG-yd4

[VALJ]

Block toward own goal line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im6ouVG-yd4

Thanks.  And the peelback block remains perfectly legal above the waist; this only affects low blocks back towards their own GL.

[sj_31]

And the peelback block remains perfectly legal above the waist; this only affects low blocks back towards their own GL.

That is correct, and in addition there has already been an added and specific emphasis on potential fouls for targeting on this type of otherwise legal block above the waist.

[younggun]

Thanks.  And the peelback block remains perfectly legal above the waist; this only affects low blocks back towards their own GL.

As long as the ball is in the zone...

Right???

[NVFOA_Ump]

I would not use the term "peelback".  I would suggest using the descriptions used in the rules and that would be something like back "towards A's own goal line" or "toward his own goal line", or "toward his own end line".

[OhioFJ]

Great outline, when complete can you post attachment of your final version. This is very helpful

[ljudge]

I wouldn't the distance to the TE to judge the 7-yards.  I saw on a training tape a couple of years ago by a major conference to consider 7 yards to be "TE plus 2."  In other words 4 players on one side of the snapper with normal splits.