Stiff Arm vs. Face Mask

[MICHGUY]

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?

[hoochycoochy]

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. 

[Curious]

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?

[LarryW60]

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.