Module 8 - Gameplay Overview: Offense & Defense

In this module, we will cover:

1. General Offense & Defense Gameplay Notes

2. Blitzing Rule Defined

• Next Module: Module 9 - Offense: Penalties & Situations

• Previous Module: Module 7 - Pre-Game Operations

• See All Referee Training Modules

If you have any questions, please email training@nextlevelsports.com.

0:00 What's up, Next Level refs? Coach Bradley here. In Module 8 of our referee training, we’re going to cover some gameplay overview notes for both offense and defense, with a special focus on blitzing at the end. A lot of the content here has been reviewed in previous modules, so we’ll brush over it quickly and dive into blitzing at the end.

0:15 First off, on offense, please note that any formations are legal. The key thing to remember is that players must be set when the ball is snapped.

0:25 You can have one player in motion, but it must be laterally—not running forward or backward like CFL rules.

0:33 As mentioned before, the line of scrimmage is marked by the quarterback tee. Wherever that is, that’s your line of scrimmage (LOS). Ensure players aren't lined up past that marker.

0:41 At the younger levels, especially kindergarten or first grade, players need help getting lined up. As a referee, you can stand over the ball to ensure everyone is set before the snap happens.

0:58 For the quarterback position, if I drop back to pass, I cannot run and scramble past the line of scrimmage unless I’m blitzed. We'll discuss blitzing in a moment.

1:04 If I drop back to pass and no one blitzes, I cannot just take off running. I must pass the ball, or the timer will beep.

1:16 Regarding the play clock, we aim for a 30-second play clock, with some leniency early in the season. By mid-season, all teams should be snapping plays within 30 seconds. Nothing kills the flow of the game more than a team taking 1-2 minutes between plays.

1:33 On defense, teams can run man or zone coverage. As a ref, if you see either one, it’s all good.

1:40 The only restriction is no bump and run—no jamming players at the line of scrimmage. That’s considered illegal contact. If you see it, call a 5-yard penalty, and replay the down.

1:56 Let’s talk about blitzing. Any one player on defense can blitz as long as they’re 7 yards deep from the line of scrimmage.

2:04 If an interception is made, it can be returned by the defending team up to the 40-yard line. However, they do not get to attempt an extra point. It’s simply 6 points for the defense, and they go back out on defense. Offense stays out for the new drive.

2:21 For K-1 divisions, there’s a rule where defenders must line up 5 yards back from the line of scrimmage before every play, except in a few scenarios.

2:29 For example, if I’m a defender in 3rd grade and I’m lined up 2 yards from the line of scrimmage, and the quarterback drops back to pass, I cannot cross the line and pull the quarterback's flag. This would be considered an illegal blitz.

2:48 If that same defender is lined up 2 yards behind and the quarterback hands off, laterals, or pitches the ball, then I can cross the line to pursue and pull the flag of the ball carrier.

3:01 For K-1 divisions, defenders need to be at least 5 yards back. This gives them a little breathing room because young players struggle to understand they can’t rush across the line until the ball is snapped.

3:14 The only exceptions to this are if the ball is within 3 yards of a first down or the end zone. If the ball is near the first down marker or in the red zone (3-1 yard line), we’ll allow the defense to line up closer to the line of scrimmage.

3:27 For all other divisions (1st grade and up), defenders can line up wherever they want.

3:35 Now, let’s focus on the blitzing rule—a very important one. Blitzing is not allowed in the K-1 divisions.

3:51 In 1st grade and above, one defender can blitz on any play, as long as they are at least 7 yards deep from the line of scrimmage.

4:03 For example, if it’s 1st down and 20 yards on the 40-yard line, a blitzing defender must start at the 33-yard line. When the ball is snapped, they can rush across the line to pull the quarterback’s flag.

4:17 If a defender is lined up at 5, 4, or 3 yards deep and blitzes, that’s an illegal blitz. We’ll call a 5-yard penalty and repeat the down.

4:25 A quick note on fake blitzing. This happened a few years ago when a parent told a player to run up to the tee and stop. This confused the quarterback, who thought he was being blitzed. He panicked, and the timer went out, causing a sack.

4:51 We don’t allow fake blitzing. If a blitzer enters the 2-yard buffer zone around the quarterback's tee, the quarterback has the right to scramble. We call 5 yards for a fake blitz, repeat the down, and penalize the team.

5:04 Also, if the blitzer makes any contact with the quarterback, like batting the ball or hitting the quarterback’s hand, that’s roughing the passer. We call a 5-yard penalty, and the down is repeated.

5:20 A quick side note—if the ball is on the 1-yard line and you want to blitz, the defender has to be at least 6 yards deep in the end zone. That’s it.

5:30 If you have any questions, email training@nextlevelsports.com. See you next time.