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Football Officiating => National Federation Discussion => Topic started by: MICHGUY on October 20, 2010, 10:53:50 AM

Title: Stiff Arm vs. Face Mask
Post by: MICHGUY on October 20, 2010, 10:53:50 AM
Just want to make sure I did not mis-hear this...
Is there anything that says a runner with the ball cannot stiff arm a defender? When does it become "illegal contact" or face mask?
Title: Re: Stiff Arm vs. Face Mask
Post by: hoochycoochy on October 20, 2010, 11:20:34 AM
Just want to make sure I did not mis-hear this...
Is there anything that says a runner with the ball cannot stiff arm a defender? When does it become "illegal contact" or face mask?
A runner can stiff arm a defender.  It becomes a facemask when he grabs the cage or any other helmet opening, including the chin strap.  It would become a personal foul when you deem it to be a personal foul such as a punch or any other unnecessary roughness.  Otherwise he can use his hands/arms to ward off or push any player. 
Title: Re: Stiff Arm vs. Face Mask
Post by: Curious on October 20, 2010, 11:51:13 AM
Just want to make sure I did not mis-hear this...


Hooch pretty much hit it (could be a 5 or 15 yd face mask penalty based on severity); but, as another "Mich" guy, I'd like to know where you "heard" this?
Title: Re: Stiff Arm vs. Face Mask
Post by: LarryW60 on October 20, 2010, 01:51:15 PM
Wish I had a dollar for everytime the runner stiff-arms the defender on the helmet and the defensive coach screams for a facemask.  If the runner doesn't curl the fingers, there's no possible way you could say he grabbed anything.