NFHS Officiating: Weekly Dozen 2026, Episode 4 | Chop Blocks & Illegal Blocks Below the Waist

Learn how to identify chop blocks and illegal blocks below the waist under NFHS rules, including the timing, positioning, and free-blocking-zone requirements officials must evaluate. In Weekly Dozen 2026, Episode 4, Mark Bradley reviews 12 plays from Colorado Springs games through September 20, 2026. This episode examines difficult rules judgments while emphasizing eye discipline, positioning, crew responsibilities, and five-person officiating mechanics. Topics include: • Distinguishing a chop block from an illegal block below the waist • Applying the immediate, initial-action requirement in the free-blocking zone • Determining whether a defender was inside the free-blocking zone at the snap • Judging demonstrated restriction on a potential holding foul • Encroachment after the snapper places his hands on the ball • Officiating retaliation and other dead-ball action • Illegal personal contact against a defenseless receiver • Enforcing a personal foul that occurs before a catch is completed • Recognizing exaggerated quarterback movements intended to cause encroachment • Maintaining eye discipline during free kicks and scrimmage kicks • First touching and coverage at the end of a scrimmage kick • Line-to-gain and goal-line positioning • Staying on the line of scrimmage during a screen pass • Selling close forward-progress rulings with confident mechanics These plays are from games officiated in Colorado Springs and reference the Colorado five-person mechanics manual, rules interpretations, and modifications. Officials in other states should consult their state association’s mechanics manual and interpretations when procedures differ. If these breakdowns help you, please like the video, subscribe to the Art of Officiating channel, and share the Weekly Dozen with other football officials. Visit https://artofofficiating.com for more high school football officiating content and free Ready for Play articles covering rules, mechanics, communication, and officiating philosophy. Have an interesting or unusual play to share? Send it to contact@artofofficiating.com. If you'd like to support the upkeep of Art of Officiating, please consider purchasing a coin toss coin. All proceeds support server costs and website maintenance. https://artofofficiating.com/high-sch... #NFHSFootball #FootballOfficiating #WeeklyDozen