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RULE 7 — FOULS & PENALTIES

SECTION 1 — ILLEGAL TACTICS

Article 1 — Holding#

Holding is defined as the use of the hands and/or arms to grasp or encircle an opponent. It is illegal at all times, except when a player tackles the ball carrier. Holding hands and locking arms during a scrimmage is prohibited.

PENALTY: L10 PLS PBH PPG

Article 2 — Contacting The Kicker#

It shall be illegal to touch the kicker when in the act of kicking from scrimmage, subject to the following conditions:

1. If prior to kicking the ball, the kicker had recovered a loose ball on the ground or made a motion to pass the ball or run with the ball, there shall be no protection under this Article.
2. An opponent who blocks or touches the ball shall not be penalized for contacting the kicker.
3. An opponent shall not be penalized when a blocker of the kicker's team causes contact with the kicker.
4. If, in the Referee's opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kick makes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the play, there shall be no penalty.
5. This section does not apply to a quick kick or to an open-field kick.
6. The act of kicking shall begin when the kicker's kicking foot leaves the ground and shall terminate when the foot returns to the ground after kicking, or attempting to kick, the ball.

PENALTY: L10 PLS

Article 3 — Pyramiding#

It shall be illegal for a player to use the body of another player or the goal post assembly in any way to gain elevation in an attempt to block a field goal or a convert attempt.

PENALTY: L5

Article 4 — Illegal Blocking#

1. After a change in possession during a play, or the recovery of a kicked ball by either team, a player of the team in possession shall not be permitted to contact an opponent below the waist in any manner whatsoever.

   PENALTY: L10 PBH

2. During any play, a player of the team in possession shall not be permitted to contact an opponent from behind in a manner that interferes with the opponent's approach to the ball carrier.

   PENALTY: L10

Article 5 — Tripping#

A player shall not use a leg below the knee to hinder the progress of an opponent.

PENALTY: L10 PLS, PBH or PPG

Article 6 — Tandem Blocking#

It shall be illegal to assist the forward progress of a ball carrier by providing impetus from behind or in front of the ball carrier.

PENALTY: L10 PLS or PBH