What is the crown of a helmet?

The crown is the very top of the helmet. This rule was designed not only to protect the player receiving the blow, but also the player delivering it. Violations of this rule will result in 15-yard penalties for unnecessary roughness, and potential discipline.

What is the helmet rule?

The rule was established in 2013 to improve player safety, requiring teams to have only one helmet color so players would practice and play in the same helmet. While teams will now be allowed a second set of helmets, they must be the same make, model and size as the player’s primary helmet.

What happens if you lead with the crown of your helmet to make a tackle?

As a personal foul, any violation of the helmet rule will result in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down if it’s called on the defense. The offending player may also be ejected if officials determine he had an “unobstructed path” to make the tackle and the helmet-to-helmet contact was “clearly avoidable.”

What is the defenseless receiver rule?

A receiver who has completed a catch is a “defenseless player” until he has had time to protect himself or has clearly become a runner. A receiver/runner is no longer defenseless if he is able to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.

What qualifies as targeting?

” ‘Targeting’ means that a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball.”

Why is there a one helmet rule?

The one-helmet rule was originally put into place back in 2013 as a way to improve player safety. The NFL’s belief was that a worn-in helmet is safer for players to wear than a brand new one that hasn’t yet conformed to their head.

Why are blindside blocks illegal?

Owners chose to eliminate this block from the game because it was very unnecessary and led to many avoidable injuries. The most common injury associated with a blindside block is a concussion. This block is performed when a player down the field is attempting to clear space for the ball carrier who is behind him.