Aiding the Runner

[Curious]

Forgive me if this has been asked already; but is there an "aiding the runner rule in the NCAA"?  If there is, how is it worded?

On the first TD by USC tonight, the runner was grabbed by USC's big tackle and carried/pulled into the EZ.  No call.

Now I'm not one for making this call when the the offense pushes the pile forward (at any level); but at the FED level I WILL call it if the runner is pulled into the EZ.  This play was obvious....

Just "curious".....

[TXMike]

It was obvious and was EXACTLY what we have recently ben told should be flagged.  Even Mike P, the FOX rulesguru, knew it.

[clydesummers]

Rule 9, Section 3 Article 2a (p. FR-90) Penalty 5 yds.

[Diablo]

Rule 9, Section 3 Article 2a (p. FR-90) Penalty 5 yds.

I think the rule reference should be 9-3-2-b, not a.

Also:
2011 PLAY INTERPRETATIONS BULLETIN NO. 4
Play 9. In trying to gain yardage, ball carrier A44 is slowed by defensive players attempting to make the tackle. Back A22 (a) puts his hands on the buttocks of A44 and pushes him forward; (b) pushes the pile of teammates who begin to surround A44; (c) grabs the arm of A44 and tries to pull him forward for more yardage.
RULING: (a) and (c) Foul for assisting the runner. 5-yard penalty with three-and-one enforcement. (b) Legal play. It is not clear that A22 is directly assisting A44. (9-3-2-b)

[NoVaBJ]

I called helping the runner (the Fed equivalent) precisely once, in my third year (I'm now in my 17th).  It was an indisputably correct call. 

I was immediately told, with stern reinforcement from the commissioner after the game, that I was never to call helping the runner ever again if I desired to advance. 

I've heard other new folks be told precisely the same thing, on calls just as correct, several times over the years.  And I'm convinced that's why it never gets called when it's seen on television.

[golfingref]

Any video from the USC game?

[Welpe]

Pushing the pile is one thing but should we really be passing on things like this?

[boydmarq]

I called helping the runner (the Fed equivalent) precisely once, in my third year (I'm now in my 17th).  It was an indisputably correct call. 

I was immediately told, with stern reinforcement from the commissioner after the game, that I was never to call helping the runner ever again if I desired to advance. 

I have heard variations on this story any number of times over the years.  I don't get it!  The rule is a reasonable one - clearly, an advantage can be gained if this rule is ignored.  Why is there such a stigma associated with this rule?

[clydesummers]

I don't get that....if it is a rule....it IS a rule. I saw an assisting the ball carrier in a NFL game recently....it is a rule in the NFL as well but it was missed by the officials. NOTE: I did not say 'replacement' officials....sadly I believe we will not see the 'old' crews again.

[TXMike]

Rom Gilbert has the USC clip on this week's video clips
http://romgilbert.us/2012vidclip3.htm

[El Macman]

sadly I believe we will not see the 'old' crews again.

Yeah, you will. The NFL has shown that it can live without the regulars, but the quality level is substantially less. The 'replacements' (either this group, or a second group waiting to be called up if the NFL fires the entire regular staff) can improve to a much higher level, but it will take several years, and the NFL doesn't want to have to wait that long. The league has the better hand at the moment, but the final draw hasn't been made. Neither side wants to keep gambling. They'll come back together soon and make some kind of deal.
Perhaps both sides can live with the/a pension plan for the regulars, if the league can get hire/fire authority, with a smaller number of additional crews. There is room for negotiation.