Iamback
Coach
- Messages
- 19,650
Huh? They've made a shitload of changes.
2023
- Expands Impermissible Use of the Helmet, making it a foul for players to use their helmet to "butt, ram, spear" or make forcible contact to opponents' head or neck area in any way. This builds on the existing Impermissible Use of the Helmet rules which prohibits a player from lowering his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.
2020
- Expands defenseless player protection to include a kickoff or punt returner who will now be afforded the same protection as a pass receiver – both before, during, and after the opportunity to receive the kick. The protection extends until he can avoid or ward off impending contact from an opponent.
- Emphasizes removing certain illegal techniques from line play, such as using the helmet as part of a bull rush, or any block by an offensive lineman that involves initiating contact with the helmet. Game officials will continue to focus on identifying fouls in line play, specifically mobile blocks, cut blocks, and certain pass rush techniques, where initiating contact with the helmet occurs.
2018
- It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. It is a penalty that will result in the loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.
2017
- Gives a receiver running a pass route defenseless player protection.
- Prohibits crackback blocks by a backfield player who is in motion, even if he is not more than two yards outside the tackle when the ball is snapped.
2015
- Defenseless player protections are expanded to cover the intended receiver of a pass in the immediate continuing action following an interception.
2013
- It is illegal for a runner or tackler to initiate forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top or crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players are clearly outside the tackle box.
2012
- The list of "defenseless players" is expanded to include defensive players on crackback blocks, making it illegal to hit them in the head or neck area.
2010
- A player who has just completed a catch is protected from blows to the head or neck by an opponent who launches.
- All "defenseless players" are protected from blows to the head delivered by an opponent's helmet, forearm or shoulder.
- Kickers and punters during the kick and return, and quarterbacks after a change of possession, are protected from blows to the head delivered by an opponent's helmet, forearm or shoulder, instead of just helmet-to-helmet contact.
- The ball is declared dead at the spot if a runner's helmet comes completely off.
2009
- It is an illegal "blindside" block if the blocker is moving toward his own endline and approaches the opponent from behind or from the side, and the initial force of the contact by the blocker's helmet, forearm or shoulder is to the head or neck area of an opponent.
- It is an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver if the initial force of the contact by the defender's helmet, forearm or shoulder is to the head or neck area of the receiver.
All of whom can be summed up by no contact with the head or neck full stop.
They don't change the core of the game as a 5m rule or letting players only tackle waist down in RL
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