Holding: 9-2-1c, 9-2-3c
Use his hands, arms or legs to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, encircle or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent (other than the runner).

Pause (See the act) – Read (Digest the results) – React (Make the decision)
1 Holding can sometimes be best determined by watching the disengagement. What effect does it have on the play?
2 Grasping of an opponents’ shirt doesn’t necessarily mean holding. When the shirt is stretched because a defensive player is trying to get away, it’s a hold.
3 Did the hold restrict the movement of the defender who is trying to make a tackle?
4 Was the defender still able to make penetration up field?
5 Was the defender still able to make or participate in the play?
6 Was the runner already past the point where the supposed hold took place?
7 Takedowns on defenders trying to get away are holding fouls.