With the direction rules are going a slant pattern is either going to always be wide open or outlawed in five years LOL

As a defender you just gave me the upper hand. Most of the time excluding special teams, you're cracking a LB or a DE. Both who usually weigh more than the man doing the cracking. Ain't no way I'm going to be understanding to a LB getting shielded by a WR. I'm sorry not going to happen.

Can someone clarify what is considered "face guarding" a receiver? Can a defender now throw his hands up to block the view of the receiver as the pass is incoming? No more requirement to "look for the ball'?

 

Never been a requirement in HS to "look for the ball". To answer your question yes.

When you get reports like the one out today about the prevalence of CTE found in football players, plus the player numbers dropping, it is fully understandable that rules to make the game safer are being implemented.

 

I thought the one about the "pop up" onside kick was interesting.

Never been a requirement in HS to "look for the ball". To answer your question yes.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I should have known that since the Highlands DB's have been instructed to not look for the ball in the past. Not sure how the new rule will affect them, but it seems it may be helpful to their style of defending.

Had a very interesting conversation with a former NKy All-State, D1 player that shared with me that he will not allow his sons to play football. Said he regrets what they will miss, but the latest research has convinced him the game is not worth the risks. Said most of his college teammates were doing the same thing. I am an old suspension helmet guy and look back on the # of times I had my bell-rung and the times I couldn't recall game action afterwards. Seems to me, we have to address concussion prevention at all levels of our game! Or, we might lose our game and that would be a shame. This old dog is willing to learn new tricks.

https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/football-rules-changes-2017/

 

a defender can attempt to break up a pass with their hands etc, but they cannot hit the receiver with shoulder or otherwise to knock the ball loose until the receiver has a chance to become a runner.

 

A related change is that "face guarding" is not illegal

 

This is stupid

The new rule was tested last night in the scrimmage between Boone and Cooper. Boone's DB came up with a pic and was running towards the sideline and turned it up field. Two steps behind him and closing to make the tackle was a Cooper WR. Boone MLB ran across the field and was at full tilt. The Cooper WR apparently caught a glimpse with his peripheral vision and turned his head but it was too late. The Boone player stuck his head across his chest and got his pads into the Cooper kid for a pretty spectacular hit. The Boone MLB got up and celebrated and a flag was thrown as the Boone DB with the ball advanced to the 50 yrd. line.

 

The stands erupted and there was some mouthing back and forth about whether it was a clean hit. By last year's standards it was definitely a clean hit. Many thought it was by this year's standards since it wasn't on a kick or punt return. Boone parents thought the call was excessive celebration or taunting. Turned out, it was for violating the new rule. The long return of the pic was called back making for a long field for Boone's offense.

 

Thankfully, the Cooper WR came back in the game later and seemed just fine.

 

I don't like this application of the rule. It was good, hard-nosed football. How is a kid supposed to extend his arms and push a player who is that close to making a tackle? It goes against everything you are taught as a football player. This was no cheap shot. It was a necessary block and well-executed.

 

BTW, Boone player was reprimanded by the coaches because the play cost the team yards.

If we want football to survive, this is the new normal.

Thanks for the clarification. I should have known that since the Highlands DB's have been instructed to not look for the ball in the past. Not sure how the new rule will affect them, but it seems it may be helpful to their style of defending.

 

Highlands DB's had nine picks last year. :idunno:

For every good, "hard nosed" play that many people seem to relish, there are just as many cheap shots that have zero impact on the current play.

 

They're either all okay, or they'll all against the rules. Having that interpretation doesn't help anyone, and anyone could spin most blocks as being clean and "hard nosed" types of plays.

 

If we want football to thrive and grow, these are the things that are going to have to happen. I've seen far too many people go head hunting on a turnover or long play, and just trying to hurt somebody.

No issues with the rule. These are dangerous plays. I've never understood the mentality that's it's fun to blindside or to watch another player get blindsided. It requires no skill to decleat a guy who isn't looking.

The penalty was called last night at Coopers scrimmage and glad it was. I'm with you, it is a dirty play and more damage can come of that tyor if play than any good. There is no reason to have that type of hit in the game especially today when concussion prevention is so big.

It's not a dirty play. Last night's hit was not a needless attempt at headhunting. The kid was about to make a tackle and the only angle on the block was the right side of the chest where he placed his helmet across the kid's body and got his pads into the player. It wasn't dirty last year. It isn't this year.

 

It's just that a rule has been put in place that now does not allow it. It's a bit arbitrary, though the intent of the rule has a good purpose. But it wasn't a dirty play.

I hope they track how many broken arms, collarbones and shoulder issues come about from this. It will be curious to see.

The penalty was called last night at Coopers scrimmage and glad it was. I'm with you, it is a dirty play and more damage can come of that tyor if play than any good. There is no reason to have that type of hit in the game especially today when concussion prevention is so big.

 

So what's the alternative? Ease up and allow the defender to make the tackle? Because you know as I know if you extend your arms and hands, it's going to be deemed a hold as soon as that defender turns...sounds like a catch 22 to me.