An important change, maybe, was made to the helmet contact rule

[erod]

Very quietly, and hopefully, the NFL might have fixed this helmet rule on tackling a few days ago.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...et-rule-no-changes-instant-replay/1066670002/

“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes no additional use of instant replay," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. "The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

 

[CouchCoach]

Very quietly, and hopefully, the NFL might have fixed this helmet rule on tackling a few days ago.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...et-rule-no-changes-instant-replay/1066670002/

“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes no additional use of instant replay," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. "The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

If you watch college ball, it is this replay to ascertain targeting that brings everything to a halt and drags the games out. Because a targeting foul draws 4Q's of suspension.

I think too many have been over-reacting to this rule from the get go. There are facts that tell us just how much this will be enforced. In their research to define the reasons for declining ratings, one came up that concerned not only the NFL but the TV execs as well, the stop downs in action and too many commercials. They immediately began to attempt to streamline the games to see the effect of that. Think this rule does that?

So, they know a major issue is the delay in action, does anyone here think the greediest group of owners married to greedy TV nets are going to purposefully add to that? Do not react to what they say, watch what they do. Think they haven't counseled the head of the refs on this?

The refs get graded after each game, what do you think gets more attention? Not enough calls or too many? NFL games are products, they are first and foremost entertainment and these owners will not threaten that. Not for a game.

This rule is about one thing, public perception. They must be seen as responsive to the CTE issue and player safety but that is not as important as the ratings and revenue. They changed the rules to appease the TV nets and get more money, they're not about to do anything to threaten the real golden goose of the NFL.

 

[foofighters]

It's all up to interpretation...we know how that works for us.

 

[Melonfeud]

Very quietly, and hopefully, the NFL might have fixed this helmet rule on tackling a few days ago.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...et-rule-no-changes-instant-replay/1066670002/

“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes no additional use of instant replay," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. "The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

They were talking on sports radio several days back on how there's already been 50+ flags slung in the first THREE WEEKS of preseason football play,,,and how it ain't gonna curtail CTE's one bit.

 

[glimmerman]

It's all up to interpretation...we know how that works for us.

Bingo. I think when the rule came out that the refs were told to call EVERYTHING in preseason. And it seems they did. It will put teams and players on guard for regular season. Now with the small amendment to the rule that’s not really discussed it allows the refs to lighten the call and frequency used. I just don’t like the fact that it’s up to the refs. This could definately change the course of a game with one call.

 

[TwentyOne]

Very quietly, and hopefully, the NFL might have fixed this helmet rule on tackling a few days ago.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...et-rule-no-changes-instant-replay/1066670002/

“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes no additional use of instant replay," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. "The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

Of course Belicheat will support all rules by the league.

 

[Praxit]

..watching some of the Philly Vs Cle last night. One particular play, a Philly player caught the ball but was engaged by defender soon after. But not without wanting more yds, and by this he was extending the play and creating a situation for a safety to unload the gun. A safety did come in but held up from hitting him. In so doing, he began limping back to the huddle. He slammed the breaks to hard. So either way...someone will get hurt by this stupid rule. Engaging or not.

 

[CouchCoach]

Bingo. I think when the rule came out that the refs were told to call EVERYTHING in preseason. And it seems they did. It will put teams and players on guard for regular season. Now with the small amendment to the rule that’s not really discussed it allows the refs to lighten the call and frequency used. I just don’t like the fact that it’s up to the refs. This could definately change the course of a game with one call.

Same as PI, the refs control the game and can call holding on almost every play but have gone as far to give warnings to players so they know they're on the radar.

The NFL keeps count on the length of games and how many calls are made. I have seen a buttload of calls that should have been made with the ref looking right at it. And how many times have you heard the analyst say of the refs, particularly of the secondary play, "they're letting them play tonight". The consistency of the calls is my major problem with the officiating. And every coaching staff knows what they need to know about each ref crew and instructs their players accordingly. So in that regard, there does seem to be some consistency within the crews.

 

[erod]

 

[Sarge]

Think I'll go bowling.

 

[DandyTom64]

Think I'll go bowling.

Have a happy 300.

 

[Arkyvarminter]

These guys having been playing football their whole lives a certain way, it seems to me you would instinctively lower your head before contact. Dumb rule.....

 

[Diehardblues]

Very quietly, and hopefully, the NFL might have fixed this helmet rule on tackling a few days ago.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...et-rule-no-changes-instant-replay/1066670002/

“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes no additional use of instant replay," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. "The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

On the broadcast last nite I believe Aikman said there had only been like 51 calls in 43 games in preseason thus far.

 

[Diehardblues]

If you watch college ball, it is this replay to ascertain targeting that brings everything to a halt and drags the games out. Because a targeting foul draws 4Q's of suspension.

I think too many have been over-reacting to this rule from the get go. There are facts that tell us just how much this will be enforced. In their research to define the reasons for declining ratings, one came up that concerned not only the NFL but the TV execs as well, the stop downs in action and too many commercials. They immediately began to attempt to streamline the games to see the effect of that. Think this rule does that?

So, they know a major issue is the delay in action, does anyone here think the greediest group of owners married to greedy TV nets are going to purposefully add to that? Do not react to what they say, watch what they do. Think they haven't counseled the head of the refs on this?

The refs get graded after each game, what do you think gets more attention? Not enough calls or too many? NFL games are products, they are first and foremost entertainment and these owners will not threaten that. Not for a game.

This rule is about one thing, public perception. They must be seen as responsive to the CTE issue and player safety but that is not as important as the ratings and revenue. They changed the rules to appease the TV nets and get more money, they're not about to do anything to threaten the real golden goose of the NFL.

Last paragraph nails it.

 

[AdamJT13]

"The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

That is critical. If referees don't throw flags for inadvertent or incidental helmet contact on tackling, then everything should be fine. However, there's interpretation, and one crew will see it differently than another crew like we see with pass interference, illegal contact, etc.

We'll see how this plays out, but a glint of hope is nice.

It's nearly impossible to officiate this at real speed unless it's flagrant "spearing," which has always been called.

It would be better if they automatically reviewed the call, but I doubt the NFL wants to review penalties that are judgment calls.

 

[Billyd]

I dont think fans are over reacting..This is positive unfortunately, this is still a judgment call on a issue that im not sure is really an issue...judgment of refs these days..not so much!

 

[Billyd]

It's nearly impossible to officiate this at real speed unless it's flagrant "spearing," which has always been called.

It would be better if they automatically reviewed the call, but I doubt the NFL wants to review penalties that are judgment calls.

Unless you are the Cowboys, and its a playoff game!

 

[buybuydandavis]

"“The committee resolved that there will be no changes to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, ... The committee also determined that inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul."

Hasn't there already been a rule about not using the helmet as a weapon, "spearing", for a long time?

Did that not apply to the offense?

If they're just extending that to the offense, then it's fine. As written, the rule looked ridiculous. That they're not admitting their mistake by changing the language of the rule explicitly is par for the course for CYA admit no mistakes NFL.

See The UnCatch rules for details. "Uh, Dez's catch is a catch again, but it really wasn't when it was overturned with 'indisputable visual evidence' on replay. Really."

 

[buybuydandavis]

It's nearly impossible to officiate this at real speed unless it's flagrant "spearing," which has always been called.

That's what I'm wondering. What's the difference between the new interpretation of the rule, and the existing rule against spearing?

 

[AdamJT13]

That's what I'm wondering. What's the difference between the new interpretation of the rule, and the existing rule against spearing?

Here is the old rule --

ARTICLE 8. INITIATING CONTACT WITH THE CROWN OF THE HELMET.
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.

Note: The tackle box no longer exists once the ball leaves the tackle box.

Penalty: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may be disqualified if the action is flagrant.​

Here is the new rule --

ARTICLE 8. USE OF THE HELMET.
It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.

Penalty: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.​