KCitons
Footballguy
I had to search around and was only able to find the following as a somewhat "official" wording of the rule. If someone else has the official NFL wording, let me know where I can find it.
“It is a foul if a runner or tackler initiates forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top/crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players are clearly outside the tackle box (an area extending from tackle to tackle and from three yards beyond the line of scrimmage to the offensive team’s end line). Incidental contact by the helmet of a runner or tackler against an opponent shall not be a foul.”
The biggest question I have after reading this is how does this differ from the current rule on spearing. The following is part of article 8(f) of the NFL rules on spearing.
"If a player uses any part of his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/”hairline” parts) or face mask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily. Although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and face mask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures . . ."
The only difference I see, is that the new "helmet" rule does not include the forehead/hairline designation. It also defines where on the field the rule applies.
With that said, what is the need for the new rule? By reading, you can see that the spearing rule already addressed using the helmet as a weapon. (for both offensive and defensive player) The NFL could have saved a lot of frustration by "tweaking" the current spearing rule and notifying teams that it will be a point of emphasis this season.
“It is a foul if a runner or tackler initiates forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top/crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players are clearly outside the tackle box (an area extending from tackle to tackle and from three yards beyond the line of scrimmage to the offensive team’s end line). Incidental contact by the helmet of a runner or tackler against an opponent shall not be a foul.”
The biggest question I have after reading this is how does this differ from the current rule on spearing. The following is part of article 8(f) of the NFL rules on spearing.
"If a player uses any part of his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/”hairline” parts) or face mask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily. Although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and face mask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures . . ."
The only difference I see, is that the new "helmet" rule does not include the forehead/hairline designation. It also defines where on the field the rule applies.
With that said, what is the need for the new rule? By reading, you can see that the spearing rule already addressed using the helmet as a weapon. (for both offensive and defensive player) The NFL could have saved a lot of frustration by "tweaking" the current spearing rule and notifying teams that it will be a point of emphasis this season.
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