Tackle Football Case Play of the Week
Read each case play below and formulate your ruling. Click “What’s the ruling?” to reveal the official answer.
August 24, 2026
Case 9.3.2c(1) — Contact on Pass Receiver: Tackle
Rule 9: Conduct of Players and Others — Blocking
Situation: Quarterback A1 drops back 15 yards and throws a legal forward pass intended for A2, who is 5 yards behind the neutral zone. Before the pass reaches A2, B1 tackles A2.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Foul. Tackling A2 is a form of holding — defensive players are prohibited from grasping an opponent other than the runner. This foul occurs during a loose-ball play, and the 10-yard penalty is administered from the previous spot.
Case 9.3.2c(2) — Contact on Pass Receiver: Block
Rule 9: Conduct of Players and Others — Blocking
Situation: Quarterback A1 drops back 15 yards and throws a legal forward pass intended for A2, who is 5 yards behind the neutral zone. Before the pass reaches A2, B1 blocks A2.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: No foul. The contact by B1 is not pass interference, and if the block itself is legal, there is no infraction (Rule 7-5-10).
Source: NFHS Football Case Book, Rule 9.3.2c. AOS Officials Training.