Blocking below the waist rules

From 2023, the blocking below the waist rule has been changed. (Changes are in blue.)

This change (originating in NCAA) will considerably reduce the number of blocks below the waist in the game. Many players (including tight ends, wide receivers, linebackers and defensive backs) will now never be legally allowed to block below the waist other than to tackle the ball carrier.

Restrictions on Team A (the offense)

The net effect is that only players (linemen and backs) who are lined up within the tackle box can ever legally block below the waist, and they can only do so while the ball is still within the tackle box. Except for the initial line charge, all blocks have to be directed from the front.

• Linemen with initial position completely inside the tackle box may legally block below the waist inside the tackle box on their initial line charge. A block initiated up to 1 yard beyond the neutral zone is considered within the tackle box. After the initial line charge, these linemen may block below the waist within the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front.
• Stationary backs lined up within the tackle box may block below the waist within the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front.
• Directed from the front" is defined as within the clock face region between "10 o'clock and 2 o'clock" forward of the area of concentration of the player being blocked.
• All other Team A players are not allowed to block below the waist.

Restrictions on Team B (the defense)

• Defensive players aligned in a stationary position within 1 yard of the line of scrimmage within the tackle box may legally block below the waist in the tackle box on their initial line charge.
• All other Team B players are not allowed to block below the waist except against a ball carrier or simulated ball carrier.

Restrictions on both teams

• As before, blocking below the waist is prohibited by both teams after there has been a change of possession.
• As before, blocking below the waist is prohibited by both teams on a kicking play.
• The one exception to both of the above is that a block below the waist can be used to tackle the ball carrier.