Pass Interference "Keys"

1. Must have contact

2. Must be a catchable pass - Help comes from another official only if that official knows the pass is uncatchable!!!

3. See all the Play - Don't guess based on the end of the play

4. Put yourself in position to get the best angle through the contact. Try to avoid being straight-lined.

5. Be in good position to see all the play from all players involved - Watch for hand away from ball (Hooking)

6. There is no such thing as a "Pick Play", but it is offensive team's responsibility to avoid contact -- Cannot push off to get in a better position to catch the ball

7. If illegal contact occurs, throw the flag; we can wave off the flag later if the ball was tipped -- don't guess!!

8. Don't be a ball watcher, you must be in position to see player actions

9. Legal contact on an eligible receiver behind line is ok

10. Don't forget that illegal use of hands, holding, and personal fouls can occur on pass plays -- concentrate on the whole play. Automatic first downs will be a factor if they occur prior to the pass being thrown and the pass crosses the line of scrimmage.

DEFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE (DPI)

Five categories Generally - must have restrictions

• Not playing the ball

• Playing through the back

• grabbing receiver's arm

• Cut-off (contact then look)

• Hook (NFL - hook and turn)

OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE (OPI)

Contact restrictions begin a the snap

Three Categories Generally

• Blocking downfield

• Receiver initiating contact (and creating separation)

• Receiver driving through the defender

  • If defender's feet are planted, he has established his space

NO CALLS

• Incidental contact

• Un-catchable pass

• Hands on receiver - no restriction

• Defender gains position

• Inadvertent tangling of the feet

  • Both are looking for the ball and neither are looking for the ball