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.

When is a blindside block illegal? Is it dependent on targeting?

A blindside block in itself is not a foul. It’s just a descriptive term. It refers coming across at a 90-degree angle to an opponent where he can’t see you coming.

If the block is below the head/neck area, not with the crown of the helmet or not below the waist, then the block is legal. It’s not about the severity of the block, it’s about the location of the block.

Stay off the head or neck area. Stay above the waist. Don’t use the crown of your helmet.

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How do you suggest checking footballs on the youth level where you only have a feel test, no tool to judge the air pressure in the ball?

Bringing an air gauge to the field as an official is being overtechnical, especially at the youth level.

Simply squeeze the ball. If it feels like a Nerf football, it’s too soft. If the ball feels firm with little finger indentation, then it’s playable.

These are kids. Pick and choose your battles. This isn’t one you need to start a game. Just don’t let them play with a Nerf ball.