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Football Officiating => Texas Topics => Topic started by: Bulldog75 on September 25, 2023, 03:43:31 PM
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The other day we had a play where the defender pulled off the ball carrier's helmet as he tackled him. It looked like he deliberately grabbed and pulled on the helmet as he was going to the ground. The defender did not grab the facemask or "any other helmet opening," so there is no foul for facemasking. Does this fit the unsportsmanlike conduct example: "(i) Intentionally removing the helmet while the ball is alive," or is that only referring to a player removing their own helmet? The defender also stepped over the ball carrier afterward. The two actions together definitely felt like a penalty was warranted, but I wasn't sure.
Thoughts?
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The other day we had a play where the defender pulled off the ball carrier's helmet as he tackled him. It looked like he deliberately grabbed and pulled on the helmet as he was going to the ground. The defender did not grab the facemask or "any other helmet opening," so there is no foul for facemasking. Does this fit the unsportsmanlike conduct example: "(i) Intentionally removing the helmet while the ball is alive," or is that only referring to a player removing their own helmet? The defender also stepped over the ball carrier afterward. The two actions together definitely felt like a penalty was warranted, but I wasn't sure.
Thoughts?
Face mask foul is for the face mask or helmet opening. Had to see how he could remove another player helmet without grabbing the face mask or helmet opening. From your description, appears should have had a face mask foul, but would need to see it.
The intentionally removing helmet refers to the players own helmet.
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My guess would be that he 'bulldogged' him around the helmet and it popped off. And if that's the case, while I'm not a fan of it, I don't think it's an illegal act.
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The defender grasped the round surface on the back of the helmet (didn't tuck his fingers around the edge) with two hands like how you would hold a ball. Helmet was probably pretty loose to come off that easily.
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Then I would say no foul. Ball carrier has to leave for a play due to helmet coming off.
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Then I would say no foul. Ball carrier has to leave for a play due to helmet coming off.
And I agree with this as well. My recommendation/encouragement is also to be thinking about how you're going to explain it to the coach. An explanation stating you are confident in what you say and 100% sure the defender did not grab an opening of the helmet.
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I agree that this is not a face mask foul. But I don’t think we can judge whether it’s no foul at all. If a player intentionally removes an opponent’s helmet, especially in a violent manner, this could absolutely qualify as UNR or even UNS. Now if it’s just in the process of a normal tackle and that’s what he happened to grab and the helmet comes off, I’ve got nothing. But if he intentionally grabs the helmet and pulls it off on purpose, I would support a foul.