NFHS/Leaping
 

Under the High School rule set what constitutes Hurdling. Saw a replay of a game last fall where a guy who was a ball carrier completely jumped over a defender trying to make a tackle.

Hurdling is seldom called. By rule hurdling is leaping with the knee or foot forward over an opponent who is not contacting the ground other than with one or both feet.

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I hadn't called hurdling in ten years and suddenly had occassion to call it twice in one playoff game. The above is a true definition. If the defender isn't, say, kneeling or lying prone or in a similar fashion in contact with the ground, a player from the other team can't jump over them leading with their legs. Since the NFHS is always looking for safety, they don't want a ball carrier hurdling over a defender and kicking him in the head with a shoe or something like that.

It is rare it even happens.

Peace

Had it in an 8th grade game, several years ago, runner made a real nice hurdle between sideline and numbers. Crowd loved it, coaches loved it. Then they saw 3 flags ( R , U and LJ) . Coach really thought it was ok because (ready for it...) he has seen it on tv.

Had some interesting banter over this subject with some members of a few other crews sitting around one night.

Running back A33 has the ball and runs downfield getting out in the open field, player B24 (upright on 2 legs) attempts to make a tackle.

* A33 leaps up in the air over A24, completes a forward somersault, and continues running. Ruling?

Or

* A33 leaps straight up (pulling his legs up as he jumps) and goes over the top of B24 trying to make the tackle. Ruling?

Note: The group as a whole had some strong discussion on this for a bit because when he pulls his feet up in the second example, A33's knees come out front of him and become the foremost point to B24. Meeting the definition of a hurdle?

Well, it is legal on TV. NCAA rules specifically exempt the runner from the penalty for hurdling (Rule 9-1-13 states "There shall be no hurdling." (Exception: The ball carrier may hurdle an opponent.)) NFL rules do not mention hurdling at all. IMO, if the defender is airborne or has something other than a foot on the ground, hurdling is fair game, because there is no safety issue then.

Seems like it all depends on which Rules Code, the game you happen to be working, is played under. (and whether you're willing to abide by that code).

In (1), that’s a foul.

In (2), I have a hard time believing that’s even physically possible unless the defender has already left his feet to attempt the tackle.

Presuming the "Forward somersault" is of the standard "heads first" variety, what would you consider a violation of, "Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump (hurdle) with one or both feet or knees foremost over an opponent who is contacting the ground with no part of his body except one or both feet" (NFHS 2-22)?

Agreed. Somersaults are headfirst jumps, so this is a legal play.

The 2nd example is a foul, as a foot or knee is foremost over an opponent during the hurdle.

As rare or as seldom-called as it may be, it is a clearly defined safety rule in the eyes of the NFHS and must be called if it takes place, no matter of the official’s personal standpoint on the rule itself.

Saw a HUDL high school highlights video and it was a kid that hurdled about 3-4 times during the year in different games. No flags on any. Didn't clarify what state the plays occurred in, but all I could think of was that every HS age running back in the country that saw that video wants to try that now to make a highlight reel.