Horse-Collar Tackle

[Official]

Does the runner have to actually be brought to the ground to classify as a horse collar?

[HLin NC]

k. Grab the inside back or side collar of the shoulder pads or jersey of the runner and subsequently pull (backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground (Horse-collar), even if possession is lost. The horse-collar foul is enforced as a live-ball foul.

[maven]

Originally Posted by Official

Does the runner have to actually be brought to the ground to classify as a horse collar?

That's just it. The name of the foul is "horse collar tackle." No tackle, no foul.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: But remember that if he is grabbed clearly after he's crossed the sideline and then brought to the ground, it can't be a 'horse collar tackle.' You're perfectly justified in calling it a DBPF, but it can't be a horse collar since by definition a HCT is committed against a "runner" and once he crosses the sideline he's no longer a runner.

[ajmc]

Damn those Rule 2 details. NF 2-32-13, "A runner is a player who is in possession of a LIVE ball or is simulating possession of a LIVE ball."

NF: 2-41-5, "The out-of bounds Spot is where the ball becomes DEAD because of going out-of bounds, as in 4-3-1, 2, 3.