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Is it a penalty, or not, when a RB/WR (with the ball) puts his hand up into the defenders facemask and keeps it there?

CatMom wrote:Is it a penalty, or not, when a RB/WR (with the ball) puts his hand up into the defenders facemask and keeps it there?

As in a stiff arm???

Yes...and more, for yards at a time. Why isn't that considered dangerous to the defender? I'm just tryin' to find things out I never questioned before, I guess.

CatMom wrote:Yes...and more, for yards at a time. Why isn't that considered dangerous to the defender? I'm just tryin' to find things out I never questioned before, I guess.

I'll defer to an expert...but I've been told as long as he doesn't close his hand around the bars of the facemask, the RB/WR can stiff arm the defender as long as needed...

But I will stand corrected if I'm wrong...

Col Hogan wrote:I'll defer to an expert...but I've been told as long as he doesn't close his hand around the bars of the facemask, the RB/WR can stiff arm the defender as long as needed...

But I will stand corrected if I'm wrong...

That's the key. A flat palm against a facemask is a stiff arm. Curling the fingers or thumb, and using the facemask as a handle or grip, is a penalty. It's very subjective.

Thanks. The SLC refs strike again.

Col Hogan wrote: But I will stand corrected if I'm wrong...

You should run for office.

Anything beyond a brief grab will draw a flag every time, especially if there is a twisting movement involved. This is why I am glad they got rid of the 5 yard facemask, since now it's either you used the facemask to hold/move their head, or you didn't. No penalties for random or incidental contact.

CAA Flagship wrote:

Col Hogan wrote: But I will stand corrected if I'm wrong...

You should run for office.

Can't...I got morals...