Face mask penalty

[ladiesbballcoach]

I have been noticing recently that offensive players can stiff arm to the face mask of the defensive player and it is called a great move. But the defensive even grazes the offensive player's face mask, and it is a penalty.

 

What is the mindset behind the offensive player being allowed to stiff arm to the face mask?

 

I understand the defensive, but couldn't quite grasp why they are not allowed but offense, especially the ball carrier, can.

[woodsrider]

My understanding is the offensive player can stiff arm in the mask but can't grab the defensive players mask.

[Hard Rock Fan]

If I understand it correctly, the offensive player can stiff arm to the mask but if they start turning the defensive players head or dragging them to the ground with it, then it's an offensive penalty. But I could be wrong on that. I, too, used to wonder how that was possible.

[cvillecat]

My understanding is the offensive player can stiff arm in the mask but can't grab the defensive players mask.

That is the way I understand it also. The stiff arm is a valuable tool for a RB and some have made it into an art form.

[Long Time Warrior]

This will be a rule change soon IMO!! (All Levels) It's not like you can't hurt the defensive guy being able the grab his facemask. E. Smith made a living doing it. So now LT does and S.A. Both great running backs but they will grab the facemask of the defensive player everytime they turn the corner. I see wide outs do it now if they catch the ball in open space.

[ladiesbballcoach]

If I understand it correctly, the offensive player can stiff arm to the mask but if they start turning the defensive players head or dragging them to the ground with it, then it's an offensive penalty. But I could be wrong on that. I, too, used to wonder how that was possible.

Can defensive players jam at the line to the facemask if they don't turn the offensive players head or drag them to the ground?

 

It seems no one can do it but RB's. To me, that is almost an unfair weapon to allow a RB to literally punch the defense in the face mask and it is legal.

 

It was talked about over and over how well LT used it as a weapon and just go me to thinking that it was a little unfair that one player can jam to the facemask legally and the defense cannot.

[Hard Rock Fan]

Seems like a double standard doesn't it? You shouldn't be able to grab the mask on offense or defense. You should have to stiff arm in the chest or something. It's kind of like offensive pass interference. You only see that called about 1% of the time that it happens.

[Nonnac]

Im pretty sure that, on offense, as long as you dont curl the fingers its legal. So they pretty much have to keep their palms flat.

[ladiesbballcoach]

Im pretty sure that, on offense, as long as you dont curl the fingers its legal. So they pretty much have to keep their palms flat.

So if the defense does the exact same thing that you describe above is it legal or illegal?

[Hard Rock Fan]

Can defensive players jam at the line to the facemask if they don't turn the offensive players head or drag them to the ground?

 

It seems no one can do it but RB's. To me, that is almost an unfair weapon to allow a RB to literally punch the defense in the face mask and it is legal.

 

It was talked about over and over how well LT used it as a weapon and just go me to thinking that it was a little unfair that one player can jam to the facemask legally and the defense cannot.

 

I'm not sure about high school. But in the NFL, the defensive player can bump the receiver for 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. After that it's either pass interference or illegal contact. I don't think the defender can jam the facemask at the line. This would probably a "hands to the face" penalty.

[Hard Rock Fan]

So if the defense does the exact same thing that you describe above is it legal or illegal?

 

I've gotta say illegal on this one. I think ANYTIME the defense touches the offensive players mask, it's a penalty. The severity of the penalty is determined later. But I'm pretty sure any contact is a penalty.

[cvillecat]

It does give the offensive player the advantage but what bothers me the most is the fact that the guy making the tackle should not be that high while making a tackle. The stiff arm is becoming a trend and so is poor tackling at all levels.

[ladiesbballcoach]

I've gotta say illegal on this one. I think ANYTIME the defense touches the offensive players mask, it's a penalty. The severity of the penalty is determined later. But I'm pretty sure any contact is a penalty.

So don't you see that as a huge advantage for the offense?

[Hard Rock Fan]

So don't you see that as a huge advantage for the offense?

 

No, it's very much an advantage for the offense. If you scroll up, I said that I think it's a double standard. I also think that the offense should have to stiff arm in the chest or something and not be allowed to even touch the mask, the same way the defense isn't allowed to.

[Hard Rock Fan]

It does give the offensive player the advantage but what bothers me the most is the fact that the guy making the tackle should not be that high while making a tackle. The stiff arm is becoming a trend and so is poor tackling at all levels.

 

How true, how true. I saw Dwight Freeney a couple of weeks ago miss a sack when the QB wasn't looking at him and was a setting duck. I'm a big Colts fan, but it was a horrible tackle. I don't remember who they were playing. It might have been the Patriots. Whoever it was, Freeney tried to bull rush and knock him over. The QB bounced off of him and rolled out and completed a pass while Freeney had to chase him down. It was horrible.