NFL Video Rulebook Illegal Block Above the Waist

Rule Summary View Official Rule

Section 1 - Blocking, Use Of Hands And Arms

ARTICLE 3 (b). ILLEGAL BLOCK BY OFFENSIVE PLAYER

It is a foul if an offensive blocker:

(b) Blocks an opponent (from behind) in the back above the opponent’s waist, or uses his hands or arms to push an opponent from behind in a manner that affects his movement, except in close-line play. This prohibition also applies to a player of the kicking team while the ball is in flight during a scrimmage kick.

The use of hands on the back is not a foul when:

1. a player is making a personal attempt to recover a loose ball;
2. the opponent turns away from the blocker when contact is imminent; or
3. both of the blocker’s hands are on the opponent’s side. 

Penalty: For an illegal block in the back above the waist by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.