Question

[DinwiddieProud]

Over on another thread, they are talking about a penalty because a player’s helmet came off during a play and he continued participate in that play. What is the criteria you use to say that it’s a penalty. That’s got to be a tough judgement call unless the player is blatant about continuing to participate.

Along with that, if a players helmet comes off, and he doesn’t sit out a play, do you hold the play up and tell him to go to the sideline for a play? Or do you throw the flag after that next play?

 

[White hat]

If a helmet comes off, he's got to stop. Period End of story. He cannot continue to chase the ball or block, depending on whether he's on offense or defense. If it comes off the runner, the whistle sounds and the play is dead then and there.

If the player without a helmet is blocked or otherwise engaged by the opponent, it's a personal foul on that player for engsging an opponent without a helmet. It's possible to have offsetting fouls.

If a player's helmet comes off without a foul being called on the actiuon that causes it to come off, then he has to sit out a play, The clock is stopped and he's motioned to the sideline for one play. If he fails to comply, it's the same as refusing any other request. Could start with a delay of game and progress to unsportsmanlike conduct if necessary. I've nevrer seen a player refuse to comply.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Thank you sir. I hope you have been doing well.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

For clarity, if a defensive player has his helmet removed and is still being engaged by the offensive player, that offensive player is charged with a personal foul even if he wasn't charge with removing the defenders helmet originally? Not trying to highjack this thread but I have seen this a few times before and the defensive player was charged in about every case for illegal participation.

 

[White hat]

The opponent can be flagged for continuing to play against a player without a helmet. I guess it's a case by case thing, but yes, it can be called against the player and/or the opponent.

There are also times when no one is flagged, Consider this play from the Case Book.

2nd and 4 from the A-49. A28 runs to the B-46 where he is hit by B53 which causes him to fumble the ball. During the play, B53's helmet comes off. B53 immediately recovers the fumble at the B-45. Ruling? ​

Team B 1/10 at the B-45 This is a legal play assuming that the contact and recovery is all in the immediate area. Because of this, B53's recovery is not illegal participation. It's important to note that had the ball rolled away and then B53 attempted to recover, since it's not part of the immediate action it would be illegal participation. 9-6-4, CB 9.6.4 Situation H​