[Dale Smith]

Originally posted by WyMike
There is a question on Part 1 regarding whether the runner can 'spear'.

Outside of the fact I'd be hardpressed to make a spearing call on a runner putting his head down to bull his way through a LB, I can't find a definitive ruling on it.

Tonight at our assoc. meeting rule 2.39 was mentioned. "The intentional use of the helmet to punish an opponet."

I can't find a specific ruling deeming this is only for the D.

If a blocking lineman "butt-blocks" it is a foul. If the D leads with his head, it is a foul. Isn't a running back lowering his head and leading with it to "punish" a LB covered by the definition of "spearing".

Can someone point me to a rule?


WM
Yes, it is spearing. The rule makes no distinction between offensive or defensive players. You have to exercise some good judgment before making this call. The helmet contact could have been caused by the linebacker’s movement. If the contact is in the vicinity of the LOS I doubt that I would make that call. But if this happened in the open field and the running back veered into the LB deliberately and contacted him with the helmet to punish him, the running back has earned a 15 yard penalty.


WM