NFL Video Rulebook Low Block

Rule 12 Section 2 Article 4

Rule Summary View Official Rule

BLOCKING BELOW THE WAIST ON KICKS AND CHANGES OF POSSESSION

Blocks below the waist are prohibited in the following situations:

  1. By players of either team after a change of possession; or
  2. By players of the kicking team after a Free Kick, Safety Kick, Fair-Catch Kick, Punt, Field-Goal Attempt, or Try Kick; or
  3. By players of the receiving team during a down in which there is a Free Kick, Safety Kick, Fair-Catch Kick, Punt, Field-Goal Attempt, or Try Kick.
  4. By players of either team during a scrimmage down prior to a change of possession unless the contact occurs in the Tight End Box. (Note: Players are prohibited from initiating contact below the waist of an opponent outside the Tight End Box, except against a runner or a player who is attempting to catch a forward or backward pass).

Penalty: For illegally blocking below the waist: Loss of 15 yards.

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