Blocks below the waist have become a safety issue in college football because defensive players usually do not see the blocks coming. As a result, the NCAA has made blocks below the waist illegal for some players, depending on where the player lines up before the snap of the ball. This rule makes the game safer for defensive players by limiting where a low block can come from on the field.
Definition
Injuries have occurred in college football because of blocking below the waist, which led to rule changes over the years. The referee considers a block as taking place below the waist when the initial contact of the block occurs at that level. If a player makes initial contact above the waist and slides down under the waist, he does not receive a penalty. When one player blocks another below the waist, it results in a 15-yard penalty against the offending team.
Linemen
Any player who lines up within seven yards of the center on the line of scrimmage can block below the waist anywhere on the field. This rule includes linemen and tight ends, who can get low to block an incoming pass rusher. These players can go low to block a blitzing linebacker who goes outside of the tackle box, since the offensive players lined up inside of the tackle box before the snap. The same hold true on an outside run, as the play does not have to stay within the seven-yard radius for the entire play for the low blocks to stay legal.
Backfield and Receivers
Players not lined up within seven yards of the center cannot block before the waist while coming from the backside. This means that if a running back or receiver wants to block low, it must occur on a player right in front of him or outside of him. These players cannot crack back on a player to the inside with the low block because the blocked player would not see him coming and it could cause injury.
Chop Block
A chop block occurs when one player blocks a player above the waist and another player blocks him at the thigh or lower. This remains illegal for all players on the field, even those who line up within seven yards of the center. If the low blocker makes contact with the player above the thigh first, however, and slides down below his thigh, the referee considers it a legal block and will not call a penalty. Chop blocks receive a 15-yard penalty.
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