The Official Forum - Spearing

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- - Spearing - Test Part 1 (https://forum.officiating.com/football/21756-spearing-test-part-1-a.html)

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

At our state clinic, the director advised that "A" can be called for illegal helmet contact just as "B". The act of an RB intentionally making initial contact with his helmet was mentioned as to be called as a foul.

Quote:

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 linebackers 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

Check out the casebook - 9.4.3 D.

Try Rule 9-4-3i and 9-4-3 Situation D. (a) in the Case Book.

I agree with Dale, he has definitely earn the 15 yards and must be paid. We as officials should try to use good judgement and communication with fellow crew members can make it an easy call because more than likely at least two of us saw that play. I don't see a problem with a delayed flag or waving a flag off after talking with other crew members.