Pass interference in football is a penalty called when a player illegally impedes an eligible receiver's opportunity to catch a forward pass. It's a crucial rule designed to ensure fair competition for the ball once it's thrown.
Understanding Pass Interference
Pass interference, often abbreviated as PI, occurs when a defensive or offensive player makes prohibited contact with an opponent after a forward pass has been thrown, and before the ball is touched. The essence of the rule is to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by physically obstructing an opponent who is attempting to make a play on a catchable ball.
When Can Pass Interference Be Called?
A critical aspect of pass interference is its timing. The penalty can only be called after the ball is in the air and is intended for the receiver in question. This means that any contact made before the quarterback releases the ball is generally not pass interference, though it could be another penalty like holding. Once the quarterback has released the ball, defenders must avoid any contact that could impede the receiver's attempt to make a clean catch. Similarly, offensive players must not impede defenders who are also attempting to catch or intercept the ball.
Defensive Pass Interference (DPI)
Defensive pass interference is called against a defensive player who makes illegal contact with an eligible receiver. This contact typically happens downfield, preventing the receiver from catching the ball.
Examples of Defensive Pass Interference:
- Holding: Grabbing, restricting, or pulling an opponent's jersey, arm, or body to slow them down or prevent them from getting to the ball.
- Arm Bar: Extending an arm to block or restrict a receiver's path.
- Pushing Off: Shoving a receiver to create separation.
- Playing Through the Back: Making contact with the receiver's back when attempting to play the ball, without a legitimate attempt to catch or bat the ball.
- Cutting Off the Path: Illegally obstructing a receiver's path to the ball without making a play on the ball itself.
Penalty for DPI: Defensive pass interference results in an automatic first down at the spot of the foul. If the foul occurs in the end zone, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line (or half the distance to the goal line if the spot of the foul is inside the 1-yard line). This penalty can be extremely costly, especially on long passes.
Offensive Pass Interference (OPI)
Offensive pass interference is called against an offensive player who illegally impedes a defender's ability to make a play on the ball. This often happens when a receiver tries to create separation by pushing off a defender.
Examples of Offensive Pass Interference:
- Pushing Off: An offensive player pushes off a defender to create space to catch the ball.
- Blocking Downfield: An offensive player blocks a defender before the ball is thrown or before the ball is touched by any player, if the block occurs more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage.
- Setting a Pick: An offensive player intentionally runs into a defender to impede them from covering a teammate, without making a legitimate effort to catch the ball.
Penalty for OPI: Offensive pass interference results in a 10-yard penalty from the previous spot and a loss of down. This means the offense repeats the down from 10 yards further back.
Key Elements for a Pass Interference Call
For a pass interference penalty to be called, several conditions must generally be met:
- A Forward Pass Must Be Thrown: The ball must be released by the quarterback.
- Ball Must Be In The Air: The contact must occur while the ball is in flight.
- Pass Must Be Catchable: The ball must be reasonably catchable by the intended receiver or defender at the point of contact.
- Contact Must Impede: The illegal contact must significantly hinder the player's opportunity to catch the ball or intercept it.
- Downfield Contact: The contact typically occurs beyond the line of scrimmage.
When is Contact NOT Pass Interference?
Not all contact downfield is considered pass interference. Here are some situations where contact is generally permissible:
- Incidental Contact: Minor, unavoidable contact that does not impede either player's ability to make a play on the ball.
- Playing the Ball: If both players are making a legitimate attempt to catch or bat the ball, and contact occurs as a result of playing the ball, it's usually not pass interference. The rule aims to protect a player's right to the ball, not prevent all contact.
- Contact Before the Ball is Thrown: Contact before the quarterback releases the ball is not pass interference, although it could be holding or illegal contact.
- Contact After the Ball is Touched: Once the ball has been touched by an eligible player, pass interference can no longer be called on that play.
- Contact While Screening: A receiver or defender may screen an opponent as long as they do not initiate illegal contact and are within a yard of the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown.
Comparing Offensive vs. Defensive Pass Interference
| Feature | Defensive Pass Interference (DPI) | Offensive Pass Interference (OPI) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Commits? | Defensive player | Offensive player |
| Impact on Play | Impedes eligible receiver's attempt to catch the ball | Impedes a defender's attempt to catch or intercept the ball |
| Penalty | Spot foul; automatic first down (up to 1-yard line in end zone) | 10-yard penalty from previous spot; loss of down |
| Common Cause | Holding, pushing, or restricting a receiver | Pushing off a defender, blocking downfield before the catch |
For detailed official rules, you can refer to the NFL Rulebook.
Pass interference calls are often among the most controversial in football, as they require subjective judgment from officials regarding the intent and impact of contact. Understanding the nuances of this rule is key to appreciating the strategic and physical aspects of the game.
