Colorado Football Officials Association

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Colorado Football Officials Association

• Roughing the Passer

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Related Rule(9-4-4)

• Defensive players must make a definite effort to
  avoid charging into a passer who has thrown the
  ball after it is clear the ball has been
  thrown.

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Related Rule(9-4-4)

• No defensive player shall charge into the passer
  who is standing still or fading back, because he
  is considered out of the play after the pass.

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Key Mechanics

• Maintain cushion.
• Back out diagonally.
• R cannot focus when concerned for his safety.
• Avoid getting straight-lined.

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The Penalty

• Live-ball foul.
• 15 yards, automatic first down.

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Penalty Enforcement

• If pass is complete, and last run ends beyond NZ,
  enforce from end of last run.
• Otherwise, enforce from previous spot.
• Incomplete pass
• Last run ends behind NZ
• Change of possession

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What To Look For

• of steps
• One step no foul
• Three steps a foul
• Two steps probably a foul

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What To Look For

• Rushers arms
• Swatting at ball
• Making a tackle
• Inflicting punishment

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What To Look For

• Helmet contact
• Does rusher lead with his head?
• Where does he contact the passer?
• Movement
• Roll outs
• Screen passes

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Consider Discretion

• Marginal hits early in the game.
• QB tackled while rolling out.
• Screen passes.
• Clean tackle.

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Overall Philosophy

• When in doubt, it is roughing.

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• Thanks for your attention.