Under what conditions is blocking below the waist permitted?

Blocking below the waist is a specific type of block that has particular rules to maintain player safety and the flow of the game. The correct answer highlights that blocking below the waist is permitted when the players involved in the block are in the zone at the snap, meaning they are within the free blocking zone, which is typically defined as a space 3 yards on either side of the line of scrimmage and 4 yards in depth.

This is important because it allows for a fair contest and proper engagement between players. By restricting such blocks to those who are lined up within the designated zone at the start of the play, the rules aim to reduce the risk of injury that can occur with below-the-waist blocks being executed by players who are not engaged properly.

In contrast, the other conditions relate to circumstances in which blocking below the waist would typically violate the rules, highlighting the emphasis on player safety. For instance, if the blocking occurs outside of the free blocking zone, it is considered illegal and can lead to penalties. Thus, understanding the specifics of the free blocking zone is crucial for compliance with NFHS rules regarding blocking technique.