I am not a big fan of the manner in which the Rulebook deals with “defenseless” players. It does a great job of defining what is meant by “defenseless,” and gives helpful examples of defenseless players. But, IMO, does not do a very good job of telling us what sort of contact against such a player is legal, and what constitutes unnecessary roughness, and is a foul. The new definitions contained in Rule 2-32-16, however, provide that guidance … but only with regard to defenseless receivers (or interceptors, as the rule applies equally to offense and defense).
I sought, and received, an official interpretation of the new rule from Asst. Commissioner Faulkens. Regardless of how awkwardly the new rule goes about it, the official interpretation is as follows:
In the case of a defenseless receiver, the only types of forcible contact permitted against such a receiver are:
Contact initiated with open hands and arms extended, just like in the blindside block rule.
Contact during an attempted “form tackle,” i.e., where the opponent’s contact includes an attempt to “wrap up” the receiver.
Contact occurring in the course of a legitimate attempt to make a play on the football.
Any forcible contact against a defenseless receiver that does not fit into one of these three categories is a foul, either for unnecessary roughness or targeting (if the contact is above the shoulders).
No more ESPN highlight hits on receivers, trying to separate them from the ball.
Prediction: In the coming years we will see this type of specific protection extended to all types of defenseless players.
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Bobref
I am not a big fan of the manner in which the Rulebook deals with “defenseless” players. It does a great job of defining what is meant by “defenseless,” and gives helpful examples of defenseless players. But, IMO, does not do a very good job of telling us what sort of contact against such a player is legal, and what constitutes unnecessary roughness, and is a foul. The new definitions contained in Rule 2-32-16, however, provide that guidance … but only with regard to defenseless receivers (or interceptors, as the rule applies equally to offense and defense).
I sought, and received, an official interpretation of the new rule from Asst. Commissioner Faulkens. Regardless of how awkwardly the new rule goes about it, the official interpretation is as follows:
In the case of a defenseless receiver, the only types of forcible contact permitted against such a receiver are:
Any forcible contact against a defenseless receiver that does not fit into one of these three categories is a foul, either for unnecessary roughness or targeting (if the contact is above the shoulders).
No more ESPN highlight hits on receivers, trying to separate them from the ball.
Prediction: In the coming years we will see this type of specific protection extended to all types of defenseless players.
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