Football : If a defender blocks the vision of a receiver attempting a catch, is that pass interference?

Question

The defender uses his hands to intentionally block the vision of the receiver attempting to make a catch but does NOT make contact with the receiver. Is that pass interference? Please elaborate

Answer 1

No - pass interference requires contact during the flight of the ball.

Here is the exact list of violations from the NFL that constitute defensive pass interference:

Actions that constitute defensive pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Contact by a defender who is not playing the ball and such contact restricts the receiver’s opportunity to make the catch.

(b) Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball.

(c) Grabbing a receiver’s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.

(d) Extending an arm across the body of a receiver thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of whether the defender is playing the ball.

(e) Cutting off the path of a receiver by making contact with him without playing the ball.

(f) Hooking a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that it causes the receiver’s body to turn prior to the ball arriving.

Answer 2

As a matter of practicality. If the defender is playing the ball, and there is some incidental contact -- a lot of refs aren't going call that, unless it substantially impairs the receivers ability to make a play. This is a judgment call. But if the defender is not playing the ball, in other words, if the defender is just running at the receiver and has no idea where the ball is. And they make contact, even if its a small amount -- the refs are going to call that every time. Also, if the ball is uncatchable -- there will be no flag for pass interference. But whether something is "catchable" is also a judgment call.

Answer 3

Depends on whether he’s trying to catch the ball or not. Both the receiver & the defender have a right to the ball. So if the defender is looking back at the ball & appears to be trying to intercept it then it's not interference. If he's watching the receiver’s eyes with his back to the ball & puts his hand up to shield the ball from the receivers’ vision that is interference.

Answer 4

If the defender blocks the vision of the receiver while trying to make a play on the ball, then tough luck for the reciever. But, he can not shield the ball from the reciever without attempting to make a play on it.

Answer 5

I have seen pass interference called if the DB has his hands up in front of the WR's face and his back is turned to the ball, i.e. making no attempt to go after or make a play for the ball, without making contact with the WR.

Answer 6

No. Long as the defender doesnt touch the WR before the ball gets in the WR'S hands he can block the WR'S vision all he wants. Now if its within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage the defender can do whatever he wants to to the WR but after 5 yards the defender cant touch the WR UNLESS they are both going for the ball. But blocking his vision without touching him is legal.

Answer 7

yes, that would be PI. If the defender turned around to look for the ball while simultaneously trying to block the visiion of the receiver, then a flag might not be thrown

Answer 8

absolutely It is called face guarding. If the player does not turn around to act like he is trying to locate the footfall in the air he will be flagged for pass interference.

Answer 9

Yes, it is called face guarding but only if you are not making an attempt to get the football.

Answer 10

No, that is just good defence. The defender can do any thing as long as they do not make contact with the receiver.