Passing Game Fouls Etowah Valley Rules Study Group

Responsibility Calling DPI is one of the biggest calls a deep official has to make With the prevalence of the spread offense the responsibility has expanded to wings as well If you can’t place it into one of the 6 categories, then you can’t call DPI

DPI Categories Not playing the ball Playing through the back Restricting a receiver’s arm Arm bar Cut-off Hook and turn

DPI Categories Arm bar- Look for extension that alters the stride. Also a hand in the chest is an arm bar Grabbing a receiver’s arm – If you see an arm extend, look for the other arm. Sometimes a tough call for a deep side guy, wings can help Hook & Turn – Defender is gaining leverage to propel himself forward

DPI Must have an obvious intent to impede Look in the receiver’s torso area, this is where most DPI fouls will occur Ask yourself this???? – Is the defender trying to keep the BALL from getting to the RECEIVER? – Or – Is the defender trying to keep the RECEIVER from getting to the BALL?

DPI Is Sometimes Controversial…

OPI Although it doesn’t happen as often, calling OPI is just as important as DPI There are 3 categories of OPI

OPI Blocking downfield Receiver initiating contact and creating separation Receiver driving through defender

Holding in the Passing Game If a defender grabs and restricts a receiver before the ball is in the air, you have holding As with all fouls- make it BIG Make sure the holding impeded both the runner and the timing of the play

Question to Ponder… Can you have offensive holding by a receiver running a pattern on a passing play?