Low Hits on the Passer are Clarified (Rule 9-1-9b)
The defenseless nature of kickers and passers are well documented by the rule book. I’m not a cave man, I understand some rules of protection are necessary. This rule has been clarified a little better in this revision.
A hit on or below the knee of a player in control of the ball, “in a passing posture” is a personal foul. They avoid the term quarterback because any back can throw the ball depending on the play. Halfback passes, double reverse wide receiver-throwback screens..you get the idea. There were exceptions to the rule, including the tackler making a bona fide attempt at a “conventional tackle”.
This year the words “without making forcible contact with the head or shoulder” were added to the “conventional tackle” exception, to make it clear that if a defender is coming in at the knee, head or shoulder first, he will be flagged.
Too bad this doesn’t translate to blocking techniques. Georgia Tech wouldn’t be able to run a single offensive play.
Next: Fake Field Goal and Punts