Football Illegal Block Above The Waist Penalty
Also known as the illegal block in the back, this penalty typically occurs on a kick or punt return and is committed by a player on the team that is returning the football. This play can occur while the offense is on the field as well, but it is a lot less common. This will result in an illegal block above the waist penalty.
Definition
An illegal block above the waist, more formally known as an illegal block in the back above the waist, occurs when a player blocks an opponent above the waist and in the back. This block affects the movement of the opposing player and is most common on kickoffs and punts. The only time this type of block is allowed is in close-line play around the line of scrimmage.
It is common for the blockers who help block the for player returning the ball, to be outpaced by the gunners who are trying to tackle the returner on the other team. As a last-ditch effort to protect the returner, a player on the return team might push the player on the kicking team in the back, which will impede the movement of the opposing player. This is an illegal play because the player that is being pushed has no way of seeing the block, and the referee will call the penalty for an illegal block above the waist.
This penalty will not be called if there is a loose ball and players are fighting and blocking to gain possession of the football. This penalty also will not be called if a player blocks an opponent from the side; at least one hand of the blocking player must clearly push their opponent above the waist and from behind. The purpose of this penalty is to prevent blockers from being able to push players that are running towards the play and have no way to see anyone behind them.
An illegal block in the back above the waist will not be called if the player that received contact in the back suddenly turned their back to their opponent as contact was imminent. This penalty will also not be called if both of the blocker’s hands are on the opponent’s sides. However, if one hand is on an opponent’s side and the other is on their back, this is an illegal block above the waist in the back.
Result
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Block Above The Waist | 10 Yards | 10 Yards | 10 Yards | 10 Yards |
In all leagues of play, the result of this penalty is ten yards. This violation normally will happen before the offense takes the field, occurring during a kickoff or punt return. As a result, the referee will move the ball ten yards in the negative direction from the spot of the foul, where the offense will start its possession. If an illegal block in the back above the waist occurs outside of a kicking play, it results in a ten-yard penalty, and the team replays the down.
Penalty Signal
After throwing a flag, the referee will wait until the play has ended to call this penalty. The referee will then grab their right wrist with their left hand and stick their right hand out in front of them as if they were trying to get a “high five.” The referee will signal which team committed the penalty and take 10 yards away from that team.
Examples
- During a punt, a player on the return team pushes a player on the kicking team from behind in the back and above the waist while running to help block for the return man.
- During a kickoff, a player on the return team pushes a player on the kicking team from behind in the back and above the waist.
- A wide receiver is used as a blocker and does not get a good position on the defensive back and blocks the player from behind.
Similar Penalties To Illegal Block Above The Waist
FAQ
Why is blocking above the waist an illegal block in football?
Blocking in the back above the waist is illegal because the opponent cannot anticipate the block, and it may result in injury. It is perfectly legal to block an opponent by making contact with their torso from the front. However, like illegal crackback blocks and blindside blocks, illegal blocks in the back above the waist are meant to protect players from blocks in which they are not able to brace themselves or take evasive action.
What counts as an illegal block in football?
In the NFL, a legal block is executed by using a player’s head, hands, or outer forearms, to make contact with the outer frame of an opponent. Any other method of blocking, including those specifically prohibited, such as an illegal crackback block or illegal use of hands, counts as an illegal block. Holding is also prohibited and counts as an illegal block. Tackling, hooking, jerking, or twisting an opponent, as well as throwing them to the ground, all count as illegal blocks.
What is the difference between an illegal block above the waist and clipping?
Clipping and an illegal block above the waist are similar penalties in football but deal with different parts of the body. While an illegal block above the waist is concerned with a block from behind that occurs above the waist, clipping deals with a block from behind that occurs below the waist. Clipping is considered a more severe penalty than illegal blocking above the waist, as the lower half of the body is much more vulnerable to injury.