Hands to the head

[mikesears]

Another NFL question, but I can also see benefit in talking about the legal use of hands in other rules codes.


Is it legal to contact an opponent (who is not a runner) above the shoulders and if so, when?

NFL Rule 12-2-1c: All players are prohibited from striking swinging, or clubbing to the head, neck, or face with the heel, back, or side of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or clasped hands (See 12-2-3).

NFL Rule 12-2-2: A defensive player shall not contact an opponent above the shoulders with the palm of his hands except to ward him off on the line. The exception applies only if it is not a repeated act against the same opponent during any one contact.

Rule 12-2-3: A defensive player may use the palm of his hands on an opponent's head, neck, or face only to ward off or push him in an actual attempt to get at a loose ball.

I want to see if I am understanding and interpretting this correctly. If a hand contacts an opponent anywhere above the shoulders, it must not be in a striking action and the contact must be with the palm (i.e more fingers than wrist). If the hand stays there, it may not be removed and placed above the head again during the same contact without penalty.