Welcome to Ask the Official, a weekly blog series from USA Football. We’ve teamed up with Bill LeMonnier, USA Football rules editor, who’s served as a college football referee and also works with ESPN as a rules analyst. Look for LeMonnier’s blog every Monday during football season, as we take reader-submitted questions or revisit a controversial play that took place the previous weekend. See below for information on how to submit your questions. Here’s this week’s topic:

Q: Please explain the new blindside block rule that is now part of the National Federation of State High School Associations rule book. Specifically, how is it different than a block in the back?

A: There really is no difference between the NFHS blindside block rule and a block in the back. If it's in the back, call it a block in the back. That rule hasn't changed. A blindside block could be on the side or even on the front of the opponent. The blindside block can still be legal if ... 1) The blocker initiates contact with the hands/arms in a pushing movement; or 2) If the block is not forceful; or 3) If the block is basically a stationary pick where the person who is blocked runs into the blocker.

See more detail about this and other NFHS rules changes here.

USA Football Rules Editor Bill LeMonnier is a former college referee who currently serves as an ESPN NCAA rules analyst. Click here to ask Bill a question. Make sure to put “Ask the Official” in the subject line.