Below you will find an ANEFO video presentation titled “Pass Interference”.  Three video clips are presented from local Massachusetts football games that illustrate “Pass Interference” as it applies to NFHS rules.  The three video clips, along with an explanation from Tom Brow, ANEFO Rules Interpreter, focus primarily on when to call, or not call, offensive or defensive pass interference.

Once you start the video, there will appear a [-] symbol in the bottom right corner.  Select the [-] symbol to see the video in full screen.

The call of Defensive Pass Interference may include:

1. Early contact by a defender who is not playing the ball is defensive pass interference provided the other requirements for defensive pass interference have been met, regardless of how deep the pass is thrown to the receiver.
2. Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball.
3. Grabbing and restricting a receiver’s arm(s) or body in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.
4. Extending an arm across the body (arm bar) of a receiver thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of the fact of whether or not the defender is looking for the ball.
5. Cutting off or riding the receiver out of the path to the ball by making contact with him without playing the ball.
6. Hooking and restricting a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that causes the receiver’s body to turn prior to the ball arriving.

The call of Offensive Pass Interference may include:

1. Initiating contact with a defender by shoving or pushing off thus creating separation in an attempt to catch a pass
2. Driving through a defender who has established a position on the field.
3. Blocking downfield during a pass that legally crosses the line of scrimmage.
4. Picking off a defender who is attempting to cover a receiver.

Pass Interference <– (Click Here to View the Video)