The Bull Rush

Jason and I referee another league that allows some contact in their flag football rules. I borrowed their training video which gives a perfect example of the technique that should be used in our league when rushing the QB. This keeps on coming up season after season even from veteran players of the game.

We would like to continue to have this nominal blocking, and bumping a the line, but if players can’t get a handle on the proper techniques to use, we will have to consider eliminating contact in the game all together.

To be clear, a rusher can not take a straight line towards a blocker. They can not take a straight line at the QB and must avoid physical contact of the QB at all times even if it is incidental. If there is not an honest attempt to make a move around a blocker, or take an angle at the QB’s flags, you risk a penalty of 10 yards and and automatic first down. If the penalty is a roughing the passer in anyway, it will be a 15 yard penalty and automatic first down.

Here is the specific language from our rule book:

14 Rushing the Passer
1. All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven (7) yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
2. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.
3. A special marker, or the referee, will designate a Rush Line seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position with the official on every play.
a. A legal rush is: i. Any rush from a point 7 yards from the defensive line of scrimmage. ii. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback. iii. If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback. iv. If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the line of scrimmage, they may legally rush the quarterback.
b. A penalty may be called if: i. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – Illegal Rush (5 yards LOS and replay down). ii. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – Offsides (5 yards LOS and replay down). iii. Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed  – Illegal Rush (5 yards LOS and replay down). c. Special circumstances:
Teams are not required to rush the quarterback, six second clock in effect. Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play. If rusher leaves the 7-yard line before the snap, he/she may immediately drop back to act as a defender with no offside penalty enforced.
4. Players rushing the Quarterback may attempt to block a pass. However, NO contact can be made with the quarterback in any way. The defense may attempt to block a pass provided they do not strike the passer.
5. Blocking the pass and then striking the passer will result in a 10-yard penalty.
6. A Sack occurs if the QB’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed where the QB’s feet are when the flag is pulled. a. A Safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.