To me this rule is in desperate need of a makeover:
What I saw with Gifford was a player extending his hands to push a quarterback while making accidental contact with his head, which lead to a helmet to helmet hit. Essentially the same thing with the Williams hit but instead of extending his hands he was wrapping up as the helmets made contact.
While I am not in disagreement with the 15 yard penalties for helmet to helmet hits; I do think this rule needs to be changed to allow for a player who makes accidental helmet to helmet contact, to be allowed to stay in the game. I feel like these refs are getting a bit trigger happy with the ejections, and the ejections can really change the complexion of a game.
Here is the definition from the AFCA:
RULES
Targeting and Initiating Contact With the Crown of the Helmet (Rule 9-1-3)
No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question, it is a foul.
Targeting and Initiating Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player (Rule 9-1-4)
No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, fist, elbow or shoulder. When in question, it is a foul. (Rule 2-27-14)
Note: Beginning in 2013, ejection from the game is a part of the penalty for violation of both Rule 9-1-3 and Rule 9-1-4.
KEY ELEMENTS
Target—to take aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with an apparent intent that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball.
Crown of the Helmet—the top portion of the helmet.
Contact to the head or neck area—not only with the helmet, but also with the forearm, fist, elbow, or shoulder—these can all lead to a foul.
Rules are a bit vague but I guess my point is I didn't see a reason for Gifford to be ejected. Obviously I'm biased...
What I saw with Gifford was a player extending his hands to push a quarterback while making accidental contact with his head, which lead to a helmet to helmet hit. Essentially the same thing with the Williams hit but instead of extending his hands he was wrapping up as the helmets made contact.
While I am not in disagreement with the 15 yard penalties for helmet to helmet hits; I do think this rule needs to be changed to allow for a player who makes accidental helmet to helmet contact, to be allowed to stay in the game. I feel like these refs are getting a bit trigger happy with the ejections, and the ejections can really change the complexion of a game.
Here is the definition from the AFCA:
RULES
Targeting and Initiating Contact With the Crown of the Helmet (Rule 9-1-3)
No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question, it is a foul.
Targeting and Initiating Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player (Rule 9-1-4)
No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, fist, elbow or shoulder. When in question, it is a foul. (Rule 2-27-14)
Note: Beginning in 2013, ejection from the game is a part of the penalty for violation of both Rule 9-1-3 and Rule 9-1-4.
KEY ELEMENTS
Target—to take aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with an apparent intent that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball.
Crown of the Helmet—the top portion of the helmet.
Contact to the head or neck area—not only with the helmet, but also with the forearm, fist, elbow, or shoulder—these can all lead to a foul.
Rules are a bit vague but I guess my point is I didn't see a reason for Gifford to be ejected. Obviously I'm biased...
