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Football Officiating => National Federation Discussion => Topic started by: NVFOA_Ump on September 16, 2019, 08:12:28 AM

Title: Stiff Arm or Illegal Blow to the Head
Post by: NVFOA_Ump on September 16, 2019, 08:12:28 AM
Had a play Friday evening where a ball carrier (a big fullback) came up to an approaching D-back (half his size) and delivered a scary "stiff arm" by reaching back near his chest and firing out with an open palm to the D-backs facemask.  D-back went down like he was shot and the ball carrier scored a TD.  Had a short delay for an injured player (the D-back) but had the try after he wobbled of the field with the assistance of the trainer.  What level of force is excessive (reaches PF status) for this type of play?
Title: Re: Stiff Arm or Illegal Blow to the Head
Post by: HLinNC on September 16, 2019, 08:17:42 AM
If he drew his arm back that much, that isn't a stiff-arm, that's striking a blow.
Title: Re: Stiff Arm or Illegal Blow to the Head
Post by: bama_stripes on September 16, 2019, 08:39:49 AM
If he drew his arm back that much, that isn't a stiff-arm, that's striking a blow.

Agree.  Although it’s a “had to be there” judgment call, it doesn’t sound like he was merely trying to ward off the DB.
Title: Re: Stiff Arm or Illegal Blow to the Head
Post by: AlUpstateNY on September 16, 2019, 10:12:45 AM
Agree.  Although it’s a “had to be there” judgment call, it doesn’t sound like he was merely trying to ward off the DB.
:

Agree it's clearly a judgment call (YOUR judgment).  YOU might seriously consider (NFHS) 2-3-4  (a) " An Offensive player may also use his hands or arms; (a) When he is a runner, to ward off or push any player.

and (NFHS) 9-4-3 ""No player or nonplayer SHALL" (g) "make any other contact with an opponent.....which is deemed unnecessary or excessive and which incites roughness" and/or 9-4-3(j) "Strike an opponent with his fist, locked hands, forearm or elbow....."

Your description suggests either/both rules were violated.