(Editor’s note: NFHS Rules)

You cannot talk about holding without first looking at the rulebook definition. Rule 9-2-1c defines holding by an offensive player who is not a runner as: “Use of the hands, arms or legs to hook, clamp, grasp, encircle or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent.” Rule 9-2-3c uses the same language to define holding for a defensive player. These rules strictly forbid any player except the runner from using hands or arms to hold or use the seldom-seen leg whip. However, most experienced officials would agree that calling holding strictly by the rulebook is not a good practice.

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