know the rules?

Rules Question of the Week?
In this week's rules question we will be speaking about the no-run zone.  The no-run zone is roughly 4-5 yards from the midfield and the end zone.  This means when the offensive team enters the no-run zone they are not allowed to run to advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage(LOS).  However they are allowed to throw as many backward passes as they would like, but the final pass must be forward beyond the LOS to be a legal completion and allow the team to advance the ball.  If the forward pass does not go beyond the LOS it is not considered a legal forward pass while in the no-run zone and the penalty will be 10 yards and loss of down for illegal procedure.  This is only a penalty when the team is in the no-run zone, you can signal the penalty by using the false start signal of rolling your arms.  Keep in mind that if the initial quarter passes the ball backwards, pitches the ball backwards or hands the ball off to a player, the 7 second clock is no longer in effect, although the ball is still required to be thrown forward beyond the LOS to be a legal play.  Also after the initial quarterback releases the ball either by passing, pitching or handing it off to another player, any defensive member of the team may now legally rush the passer as the blitzing rules are no longer in effect.  If you have any questions please contact me and I will be happy to explain the rule and its interpretation.