AR 7-3-3 / Pass Interference

I. After the snap the quarterback rolls to the right and the snapper runs a route to the right. The
receiver from the right side moves into the way of the defender who is covering the snapper.
The defender has to run around the receiver to avoid contact and the snapper is open to
receive the pass.
RULING: Penalty for shielding by offense. It is not a pass interference because the ball is not in the air. If there was contact between receiver and defender, it would be aiming by offense.
NOTE: If the receiver is standing still then the defender has to avoid contact, because the ROP of
the receiver supersedes any ROW.

II. Two receivers are positioned to the right of the formation, the outside receiver goes in an
angle inside, the inside receiver goes to the outside and then downfield (wheel route). The
defenders in individual coverage collide as they are crossing to cover their respective receiver.
RULING: No foul, the offense is not responsible for the actions of the defenders.
NOTE: If the outside receiver is crossing the running lane of the inside defender in order to
obstruct them in their coverage, it will be a foul for shielding. This is a very tough call and it
requires experience to judge this.

III. A receiver is running straight at the defender. Immediately in front of them the receiver cuts to the outside and pushes themselves slightly off. The defender keeps their balance but cannot
close the gap to the receiver before the catch is made, after the completion they pull the flag.
RULING: Offense pass interference (or illegal contact). There is contact with impact by the receiver
before the pass is throw. The impact is not on the defender, it is on themselves to accelerate
and gain extra separation from the defender.