Can somebody explain to me how this rule is legal?

Question

I see it all the time, A receiver has the ball and he stiff arms the defender in the face mask.  How is this legal?  I thought you were not allowed to touch a players helmet, Isn't that illegal hands to the face or a face mask penalty?  I understand the purpose of stiff arming but when they do it to the face mask it completely gives the receiver the advantage.

? · Accepted Answer

A player may put his hand on the mask of an opponent, but not grasp it. A player may not make helmet-to-helmet contact.

And all RULES are legal. Certain ACTIONS are not.
Bob

Revenge of the Birds · Answer

Helmet to helmet ramming or SLAPPING opponents helmet (Head Slap) is a penalty.
Grabbing the face mask is a penalty
You are allowed to CONTACT the helmet or the facemask with your hands.
A stiff arm to the helmet/mask is legal 
unless the mask is grabbed or you lay a B slap onto the helmet.
No poking through and doing a Three Stooges though.

Giants fan for Life · Answer

If you have the ball you can do dang near anything. The truth is is that when bring a player DOWN it is a face mask, not when blocking them. Plus he doesn't GRAB the defenders mask, thus its not a face mask he is pushing them.

Mmmf · Answer

you can touch the helmet not the face mask also if his hand is flat and the fingers don't hook the face mask a ref wont call it.

Anonymous · Answer

There's nothing wrong with a stiff arm, so long as you don't "grab" the other player's mask.  In that case, you will draw a personal foul penalty.  --------------------------------

Bill B · Answer

I think if he grabs the facemask and pulls on it, it is a penalty. If he just pushes it, I don't think so.

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Can somebody explain to me how this rule is legal?

6 Answers