Is face tackling legal?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Mike L

(this is from the 2007 book, so the reference number may be different in the new book)

It was still 9-4-3(i) in the 2008 book.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It was still 9-4-3(i) in the 2008 book.

Also the current NFHS Rule book defines Face Tackling under NFHS 2-20-1.b (Illegal Helmet Contact) as, "Face Tackling is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a ball carrier with the front of his helmet".

This section also defines; a. "Butt Blocking" is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against an opponent who is not a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.", and c."Spearing" is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against any opponent with the top of his helmet."

As mentioned above these three distinctly different actions were prohibited by the NFHS more than 20 years ago and your applicant coach, as well as your league officers may be rembering what they were taught long, LONG ago.

[KWH]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It was still 9-4-3(i) in the 2008 book.

It remains numbered 9-4-3(i) in the 2009 Book.

Also see: 2009 NFHS RULES BOOK 2-20-1(b) Face Tackling, and
2009 (or 2008) NFHS CASEBOOK 2.20.1 SITUATION A(a) and 2.20.1 SITUATION B for additional guidelines