Ref Question
- Thread starter nwfb99
- Start date
Not a ref, but I would assume so as I've seen it used in multiple games this year with no penalty being called.
2023 FOOTBALL
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
HELPING THE RUNNER
Rule changes have been made at higher levels of football allowing offensive teams to pile in behind and directly push the runner. Because of these changes, we are now seeing similar plays at the high school level. As guardians of the game, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to remove “helping the runner” from our high school game. Administrators, coaches and football game officials all have a responsibility to know, respect and teach/enforce the NFHS rules of high school football. Football is a vigorous, physical contact game and, for this reason, much attention is given to minimizing risk of injury to all players. Each respective rules code (NFL, NCAA and NFHS) has rules that coincide with the physical development of competing athletes and their goals for the game. The NFHS Football Rules Committee’s main focus is risk minimization, followed closely by assurance of a balance between offensive and defensive rules. Because the players on defense must guard against the pass, they are not able to counter the advantages created by “helping the runner” formations. Allowing teams to help the runner by illegal techniques swings the balance heavily in favor of the offense. Football game officials need to change their view of “helping the runner” to a risk issue (clipping, chop block) and remove it from the “pioneer call” category and refocus on ending plays when forward progress is stopped. Pushing the pile is legal; direct contact and pushing, pulling, lifting of the runner is not. The NFHS Coaches Code of Ethics states: “Coaches shall master the contest rules and shall teach the rules to their team members. Coaches shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules. Coaches have a tremendous influence, for good or ill, on the education of the student, and thus shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.” If school administrators/athletic directors truly believe that activities are an extension of the classroom, they must be actively involved with programs they supervise and redirect coaches when they observe them teaching prohibited tactics. Removing “helping the runner” from high school football will at times be met with resistance. School administrative support of football game officials, re-focus of coaches and education of players will lead to a smooth transition. All those directly involved in our great game must stay committed to trying to minimize risk to all players and maintaining the balance between offensive and defensive play.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
HELPING THE RUNNER
Rule changes have been made at higher levels of football allowing offensive teams to pile in behind and directly push the runner. Because of these changes, we are now seeing similar plays at the high school level. As guardians of the game, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to remove “helping the runner” from our high school game. Administrators, coaches and football game officials all have a responsibility to know, respect and teach/enforce the NFHS rules of high school football. Football is a vigorous, physical contact game and, for this reason, much attention is given to minimizing risk of injury to all players. Each respective rules code (NFL, NCAA and NFHS) has rules that coincide with the physical development of competing athletes and their goals for the game. The NFHS Football Rules Committee’s main focus is risk minimization, followed closely by assurance of a balance between offensive and defensive rules. Because the players on defense must guard against the pass, they are not able to counter the advantages created by “helping the runner” formations. Allowing teams to help the runner by illegal techniques swings the balance heavily in favor of the offense. Football game officials need to change their view of “helping the runner” to a risk issue (clipping, chop block) and remove it from the “pioneer call” category and refocus on ending plays when forward progress is stopped. Pushing the pile is legal; direct contact and pushing, pulling, lifting of the runner is not. The NFHS Coaches Code of Ethics states: “Coaches shall master the contest rules and shall teach the rules to their team members. Coaches shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules. Coaches have a tremendous influence, for good or ill, on the education of the student, and thus shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.” If school administrators/athletic directors truly believe that activities are an extension of the classroom, they must be actively involved with programs they supervise and redirect coaches when they observe them teaching prohibited tactics. Removing “helping the runner” from high school football will at times be met with resistance. School administrative support of football game officials, re-focus of coaches and education of players will lead to a smooth transition. All those directly involved in our great game must stay committed to trying to minimize risk to all players and maintaining the balance between offensive and defensive play.
We have to study this and two published Rules and Case books each year, yet receive weekly advice from 'experts in the stands' every Friday night.
How to Become a Licensed Official
How to Become a Licensed Official
Interesting. As I said I've seen it a number of times without being called. Are all states required to abide by the NFHS rule book or do states vary with their interpretations of the rules. Basically, does the IHSA have their own rule book?
It is a legal play. You can push the pile, but not the man. That is the grey area here, as it seems the man is being pushed at the outset. As long as it is a scrum type play, it is legal. Defenses will need to figure out a way to stop it. Legal formation, legal play. Only way it stops is if officials start saying the man was being pushed and not the pile. The pushers tend to use their shoulders while pushing the QB which makes it appear more like a scrum type play and pushing the pile as a whole.
I’ve been told by a ref if the pusher(s) extends his hands it is illegal but that if the pusher(s) just falls into him and uses his legs/momentum it is fine.
Pretty frustrating explanation to be told when asking why it isn’t a flag. I understand when it comes to push the pile but when it is a QB sneak it is quite obvious the intent.
The refs also tend to give a warning on this play, letting you know it’s not allowed and next time it’s a penalty. I’ll play that game every week, you’ll be able to do it at least once before getting the flag. I’m sure it will be more strict next year.
Pretty frustrating explanation to be told when asking why it isn’t a flag. I understand when it comes to push the pile but when it is a QB sneak it is quite obvious the intent.
The refs also tend to give a warning on this play, letting you know it’s not allowed and next time it’s a penalty. I’ll play that game every week, you’ll be able to do it at least once before getting the flag. I’m sure it will be more strict next year.
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The IHSA subscribes to the NFHS rule book and the IHSA Ex. Dir. sits on the Rules Committee, yet the IHSA has adopted interpretations to how it wants some rules enforced. These are made clear through annual Certified Clinics and mandatory Rules Interpretation videos.
(Texas plays by the NCAA code)
Yes, how the rule is written is only half the story. How the rule is interpreted and thus enforced is the other half that non-officials are unable to wrap their heads around.
He was out of the pocket!!! - used to be my favorite ignorant parent chirp before they changed the rule.
That and “that ball isn’t catchable.” That’s one of my personal favorites.
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