Illegal Tactics

Article 1 – Holding

Holding is defined as the use of the hands and/or arms to grasp or encircle an opponent, except when a player tackles the ball carrier, and is illegal if the hold has an impact on the play.

Note: The use of hands and arms is permitted:

• a) By the ball carrier to ward off an opponent.
• b) By a blocker, as outlined in Rule 4, Section 5, Article 1 (e) (Interference).
• c) By a defender to reach the ball carrier, but the hands may not be used to grasp any opponent except the ball carrier.
• d) By a player of the kicking team to ward off a blocker preventing their approach to the ball carrier after a kick or kick off.

Article 2 – Illegal Block

Blocking an opponent by pushing him/her from the rear with extended arms or bumping him/her above the waist from behind is illegal, and is defined as illegal use of hands.

Article 3 – Tripping

Tripping is the intentional use of the lower leg or foot to obstruct any opponent below the knee.

Article 4 – Contacting the Kicker

Contacting the kicker, while in the act of kicking, is illegal, unless the contact is slight and incidental, subject to the following:

• a) The act of kicking begins when the kicking foot leaves the ground, and ends when the foot returns to the ground (or a player lying on the ground) after kicking or attempting to kick the ball. Should the kicker momentarily fumble the ball, and remains in the normal kicking spot, protection will be given. If the kicker leaves this spot or makes any motion to pass the ball, the kicker shall be considered as a ball carrier, under this rule and under rule 5-5-1-b (Interference On Kick from Scrimmage or Return Kick).
• b) This article does not apply to a «quick kick» or «return» kick.
• c) A player shall not be penalized if they block or touch the ball prior to contacting the kicker, or if contact by a Team A blocker causes contact with the kicker, or if a B player contacts an A player in such a way as to drive the player into the kicker.

Article 5 – Deception

The use of tactics to deceive opponents such as the alleged need for equipment such as a tee, mouthguard etc; or the pretence of calling players toward the bench as if a time out had been called, is illegal.