What is Offensive PI?

[SmartCoach]

I was wondering what constitutes offensive pass interference?

I've seen several games this year were eligible receivers are blocking down field like its a run but then stop blocking (sometime pushing-off) and catching passes or start running a route to catch a pass.

The rules in article 9.a states "Either Team A or Team B legally may interfere with opponents behind the neutral zone."

I understand everyone is eligible and, in tight formations the linemen may block for a count or two the release for a pass.

I'm talking about linemen/receivers blocking safeties and corners 7+ yards down field and catching passes. Also seen linemen/receivers blocking safeties and corners downfield so their team mate gets open.

Just wondering, any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ZeroRisk]

I'm talking about linemen/receivers blocking safeties and corners 7+ yards down field and catching passes. Also seen linemen/receivers blocking safeties and corners downfield so their team mate gets open.

Both of the things you describe qualify for Offensive Pass Interference.

Rule 7-3-8-b: Offensive pass interference is contact by a Team A [offensive] player beyond the neutral zone that interferes with a Team B [defensive] player during a legal forward pass play in which the forward pass cross the neutral zone.

If the pass is thrown beyond the NZ, in other words not caught in the backfield, OPI rules apply. Blocking downfield and then pushing off to go catch a pass is illegal. Blocking an opponent downfield to open up a lane for your teammate to catch a pass (pick play) is also illegal.

I will say that this is probably one of the harder calls to make in all of football, especially with a 4-man crew and an Ump Judge in the 6-man game. It's an evolving understanding and something that we're working to emphasize in mechanics.

 

[ZeroRisk]

I should add "why" it is difficult and often missed. One of the issues with OPI is timing. Offensive Pass Interference can occur any time during a legal forward pass play, starting with the snap. Most OPI happens long before the ball is released. So an official has to see the action, register that is is a potential foul, hold that in his mind, and then drop the flag if and when a forward pass is thrown beyond the neutral zone. Lot of factors in a delay call. Very much unlike DPI which is when the ball is in the air and the attention is easy to focus on the receiver and defender to whom the ball is traveling.

 

[Dr. O]

Add it to the list of things that officials don't call in Class 1A.

 

[SmartCoach]

Thanks for your replies and clarification. That is the way I read the rule but I don't see it called. I will agree that it is often missed do to limited number of refs and the timing.

Again thanks.