Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/18/2008

Question
I was playing flag football with some friends.  I stayed back to protect the QB.  I initiated contact with the blitzer and I was standing with a wide base.  I hit him and then he tried to go around me but he ended up hitting his knee on my inside thigh and was knocked to the ground.  I might have switched my weight and moved the position of my legs but I didn't lift my leg or blatantly push it out too far.  So under NCAA rules is this defined as tripping.

Answer
Brandon, hello!

It sounds like it could have been called a penalty for tripping but it would be a judgment call.  Tripping does not require that you stick your foot out to get a penalty.  The official must have thought you made an effort to trip the rusher.


Take care,

Thom Brooks