1.1All players who rush the passer must be 7-yards for 5v5 and 5-yards for 7v7 from the line of scrimmage at any point after the ball has been snapped. Both the line of scrimmage and the rusher line will be marked with a bean bag. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage after the snap. The rusher must rush continuously, in a direct path towards the quarterback if they are in the pocket or are rolling out. Once the ball is handed off, tossed, pitched or lateraled or a fake handoff, toss, pitch or lateral occurs, the 7- or 5-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go across the line of scrimmage from anywhere on the field.
1.2A rusher lined-up within 2-yards (on either side) of the 7 yard marker (5v5) or 5-yards (7v7) is entitled to a free direct path to the quarterback – the rusher may not be interfered with by any offensive player. If the rusher is lined up outside the 2-yards (on either side) of the 7 yard marker, or they switch the side that they are on once the center is ready to snap the ball, they are not entitled to a free path to the quarterback.
1.3A rusher lined-up within the 2-yards of the rush line marker cannot line up directly over it, they must choose / position themselves on 1 side or the other and be a minimum of 12 inches away from it clearly indicating which side they are rushing from. The rusher will lose their free direct path to the quarterback if they switch the side they are rushing from after the center positions the ball for a snap. Rushers must also ensure that their entire body is behind the rush line marker, even if they are leaning forward.
1.4Any type of accidental or deliberate contact with the quarterback's upper body or their arm including the ball in their hand by the rusher while they are attempting to throw the ball will result in an illegal contact penalty. This also includes any other offensive player who is attempting to throw the ball.
1.5If the offensive player's arm is in motion forward while attempting a pass when their flag is pulled by a rusher the play will be allowed to continue
1.6If a Rusher's RoW is interfered with by a player in motion immediately following a handoff or fake handoff, the offense will be penalized for Rusher Interference.