Helmet Opening

[bomberjeff]

I need a clarification on this ruling...we have had some discussion as to what is the correct one.

A1 is carrying the football on a running play when he goes into the pile and is tackled by a number of players but B2 grabs him back the back of the helmet at the bottom near the neck and pulls on it....is this a penalty for grabbing an opening or a no call....my U and I ruled a no-call as our association interpretation is that this is not an opening....it is the first time I have seen this in eight years of officiating

I am looking for some help to make sure we get this call right in the future...

[Smiley]

I'd say that was a helmet opening. Otherwise, the runner could not have gotten his head in there.

[cougar729]

I think for sure its a helmet opening, and that would mean that yes it is a facemask foul. But you say that the runner is in the pile... I think that if it were me I would judge whether or not the grabbing made the tackle. If so, penalty, if not pass on it, the only other way is if it is a safety issue

[RoyGardner]

It IS without question a "helmet opening" and should have drawn a flag.

[stevesmith]

Yes, it is a facemask penalty.

[booker227]

face mask!....it is an opening.....and dangerous to the runner as well