This rules spotlight is based on and attributed to Jess Geller, USFFL Rules Administrator.
Run Containment is an optional Strat-O-Matic Football feature that the USFFL has chosen to use. Its purpose is to discourage run calls in obvious third- and fourth-down passing situations while adding a defensive consideration for both coaches.
When Run Containment Applies
- It is third or fourth down.
- The offense needs at least five yards for a first down.
- The run is called into an area where the defender is in a normal Flat or Look-In position.
- The white-die reading is 1, 2, or 3; containment does not apply when the result is on the defense card (readings 4, 5, or 6).
- The offense is not inside the opponent’s 10-yard line.
How the Result Is Determined
When containment works, the runner is stopped short of the first down by the number of yards shown on the white die. A defender’s run rating determines which white-die readings produce containment:
| Defensive run rating | Successful white-die readings |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1 |
| 4 or 5 | 1–2 |
| 6 | 1–3 |
For example, a linebacker with a containment run rating of 5 who has a white-die reading of 2 stops the runner two yards short of the first down. If the original card result already leaves the offense farther short, use the original result.
This gives a run-rated defender of 6 a 50% containment chance, a defender rated 4 or 5 a 33% chance, and a defender rated 0 a 16% chance.
Alignment Notes
- Containment does not apply when the relevant linebacker has vacated the normal zone to blitz or double-team a receiver.
- If a linebacker has moved but a defensive back occupies the Flat or Look-In zone, containment remains in effect.
- Against a 3–4 defense on an off-tackle run, the inside linebacker on that side must be in the Look-In zone.
- Against a 3–4 defense on a line buck, both inside linebackers must be in the Look-In zone; use the higher run rating.
- In a 3–3–5 nickel defense, use the defender in the applicable zone. In 3–2–6 and 4–2–5 formations, containment does not apply to a line buck or line-buck draw if the Look-In zone is empty.
Questions and comments on the rule are welcome.