Free Zone Blocking

Question
Hello - we are a RI Pop Warner team playing in MA for the first time which uses NCAA rules. I am unclear if a blitzing linebacker who is within the 3 yard yard box but not on the LOS can be blocked by an O lineman if the LB blitzes? I know he can be cut by a lineman if he lines up on the LOS but what if he blitzes from 2 yards off the LOS? Thank you!

Answer
Ted
Thank you for your question.  In reviewing it I suspect your Pop Warner League may be using a modified blocking rule so it is difficult to give you the answer you seek. The term Free Blocking zone is not a term or concept in NCAA Rules, but rather in National Federation High School rules. Under straight NCAA rules, a Blitzing LB may be blocked no matter where he lines up.

The free-blocking zone is a rectangular area extending laterally four (4) yards on either side of the ball and three (3) yards behind each scrimmage line. The free-blocking zone "allows utilization of all aspects of football with minimal compromise of safety": Blocking below the waist, blocking in the back and clipping are permitted within the zone provided certain conditions are met.

An offensive lineman who was in the zone at the snap may clip in the zone a defensive player who was also on the line and in the zone at the snap. Additionally, offensive and defensive linemen can block each other below the waist in the zone provided the opponent was on the line and in the zone at the snap, but only offensive linemen may block in the back in the zone. Those rights cease after the ball has left the zone.  A defensive player must be within 3 yards of his defensive LOS. However, be aware that certain federation blocking rules require that a defender be within one yard of the LOS, e.g. the right to block him below the waist. And, a chop block is always illegal and for that block the FBZ is immaterial.   There can be a block below the waist by either the offense or defense as long as
A) both players are in the free blocking zone at the snap,
B) both players were on the LOS at the snap,
C) the block occurs in the free blocking zone and D) the ball is still in the free blocking zone.

Here is a video clip re: Free Blocking zone, this is one of the best clips out there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9QRr3d4UqM

Nothing in the Free Blocking zone rule discusses a blitzing linebacker, jus the allighnment withing 3 yards of the LOS.  Remember this is Federation rules, NOT NCAA Rules.  You stated above you played under NCAA rules and if they a pure NCAA rules then there is no free blocking zone and the LB can be blocked.  I suspect you are using a hybrd type rule.

I hope this ansers your question for you and is informative.  Please look at the YouTube Video link above I think you will find it informative.
Best of luck,
Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official