Grabbing by the name plate new rule for 2019

[Derek Teigen]

Hello.  I hope everybody is well.  I was talking with my friend about the new rules.  Regarding the new rule:

HORSE-COLLAR TACKLE ADDITION [9-4-3k]
Rationale: Grabbing the name plate area of the jersey of the runner, directly below the back collar, and pulling the runner to the ground is now an illegal personal contact foul.

I am wondering if a judgement situation could occur in the event the tackler grabs the name plate area, holding the runner from advancing and another tackler pushed the runner to the ground.  But my main question is just grabbing and holding by the name plate area is not a foul alone....the runner must be brought to the ground.  Just checking.

thank you.

[ncwingman]

A horse collar tackle must be a tackle. You must take the runner to the ground. Simply grabbing the horse collar (or name plate) and slowing a runner, but not tackling or eventually tackling forward is NOT a horse collar foul.

[bossman72]

I am wondering if a judgement situation could occur in the event the tackler grabs the name plate area, holding the runner from advancing and another tackler pushed the runner to the ground.  But my main question is just grabbing and holding by the name plate area is not a foul alone....the runner must be brought to the ground.  Just checking.

Simplest way to put it is:

name plate = inside collar

The rule was changed basically so we don't nit pick hand placement on horse collar tackles.  We were passing on HCT fouls last year because the hand might not have been "inside" the collar, but it was maybe an inch lower or so, and had the same pulling and buckling motion as a normal HCT would.  This rule changes gives us a little more leeway to call a foul if the hand placement isn't perfect.

So really, you're calling it the same as last year.  Just don't get too technical on hand placement.

[Derek Teigen]

thank you NC wingmand and Bossman.  I agree with you.  I have seen many tackles where the the runners jersey is being pulled from behind and stretched to the point it would rip.  But I am going back in my mind to review this and it seems in these cases the jersey was grabbed far below the name plate area.  In instances where I have seen the jersey pulled from the name plate area it was hard for runner to escape and often ended in a very ugly looking tackle that looked like a horse collar but by letter of the rule was not, and so I did not and could not throw a flag.

I am probably getting way to technical but I could envision the instance when a tackler is grabbing the runner's jersey by the name plate area but only enough to slow the runner down, and in that moment the runner is tackled backwards by another defender.

Did the tackler from behind pull him back down to the ground or was it the tackler from in front that pushed him down?  Penalty or not?

[AlUpstateNY]

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I am probably getting way to technical but I could envision the instance when a tackler is grabbing the runner's jersey by the name plate area but only enough to slow the runner down, and in that moment the runner is tackled backwards by another defender.

Did the tackler from behind pull him back down to the ground or was it the tackler from in front that pushed him down?  Penalty or not?

The 2018 Rule Book, NFHS 9-4-3-k Provides a very specific definition and description of what constitutes a "Horse-Collar" tackle, including an implicit responsibility for "pull (Backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground".  In a situation where multiple defenders may be in contact with the runner, the responsibility of the defender for the horse-collar violation is dependent on the actions of THAT player as determined by the official observing the action deciding whether, or not, the rule (9-4-3-k) has been violated.

That judgment will be enhanced by the calling official's complete understanding of the specific details of 9-4-3-k.  (Presuming there are no additional relevant adjustments to 9-4-3-k included in the 2019 revision).   

[Derek Teigen]

thank you.  I AM overthinking this and I've just concluded I will know it when I see it.  If there is any doubt in  my mind I won't call it.

[HLinNC]

You don't have a horse-collar tackle if you have an additional tackler besides the one who grabs by the collar or now, the nameplate area.
See 9.4.3N (b) .

[AlUpstateNY]

You don't have a horse-collar tackle if you have an additional tackler besides the one who grabs by the collar or now, the nameplate area.
See 9.4.3N (b) .

Unlikely and potentially rare, but NOT prohibitive.