NFL Video Rulebook Offensive Holding

Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Rule Summary View Official Rule

SECTION 1. BLOCKING, USE OF HANDS AND ARMS

ARTICLE 3 (c). ILLEGAL BLOCK BY OFFENSIVE PLAYER

Use his hands or arms to materially restrict an opponent or alter the defender’s path or angle of pursuit. It is a foul regardless of whether the blocker’s hands are inside or outside the frame of the defender’s body. Material restrictions include but are not limited to:

  1. grabbing or tackling an opponent;
  2. hooking, jerking, twisting, or turning him; or
  3. pulling him to the ground.

Penalty: For holding by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.

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