|
I have called it more this year than in the past, but this foul is a point of emphasis with me. I really try to not call the contact when the runner lowers his head. But when the tackler lowers his I watch for contact directly on the top or forehead area of the helmet. I also look for the defender coming in with the helmet, usually diving. I'm also glad to note that most coaches often react toward the player the way we would if it was our kid. One coach told me that my flag was the third IHC foul for the same player this year. I wonder why it takes at least three flags to understand.
Our crew worked a game early this season when we DQ'd a defender who speared a downed runner. Three flags lay on the ground when it happened. It was vicious, and intentional too.
A while ago David Pollack of the Bengals broke his neck making a helmet first tackle. The next day Marvin Lewis said David did it "just like we teach them". I was amazed he would say that, and more amazed they teach that. Maybe that's why the kid above had three such fouls this year.
|