Below you will find an ANEFO video presentation titled “Offensive Holding.” Thirteen video clips are presented from local Massachusetts football games that illustrate “Offensive Holding” as it applies to NFHS rules. The thirteen video clips, along with an explanation from Tom Brow, ANEFO Rules Interpreter, focus primarily on when to call, or not call, illegal offensive holding.
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.
Offensive holding can be one of the most inconsistent calls. Officials must have a slow flag and see the whole play. What is foul! What is not a foul!
Offensive holding involves grabbing, encircling, twisting or pulling defenders to impede them in their effort to get at a runner or the quarterback. Defenders may push or pull offensive players if they are making a legitimate effort to get at the runner.
When the NFHS changed the rules several years ago to let offensive players use their hands more liberally in blocking; the result was a lot contact, at first look, appears to be holding. But, it may not be illegal holding. Be patient when calling this penalty.
Offensive Holding <– (Click Here to View the Video)