Tackling

[ajmc]

I suspect EVERYONE understands the purpose of any (all) the helmet contact rules, at any level, is simply to stop players from using their heads as weapons. The language used is irrelevant, what matters is that players are taught not to use their heads (helmets) improperly and are fully aware of the terrible, life long consequences they risk by using ANY improper technique.

Helmet contact, of any kind, is not an area to split hairs about or get mired down in some silly linquistic debate over nonsense. Any coach who doesn't totally accept this effort to remove improper helmet contact from the game, and insist of proper technique from his charges, deserves to sit only in the stands.

Officials need to understand what is prohibited and have the courage to penalize improper contact, regardless of what it's called, whenever it's observed. The keys are still being in the best possible position to view the contact and be able to fairly judge incidental from improper contact and be prepared to strictly enforcing what we see.

Personally, I would suggest that pee wee and High School levels are the most important to be vigilant, because the risk is greater with younger athletes and the potential time to spend in a wheelchair is the lomgest.