Sunday, August 19, 2012

MUS Helmet Play: What's the Rule?

MUS running back Shane Tucker was just a few strides away from capping off a 21 point comeback against Nashville Ensworth Friday night when the play was abruptly whistled dead.  While breaking a tackle, Tucker's helmet came off.  With nothing between Tucker and the endzone but grass, the referee stopped the play due to a rule the NHSF installed to curve concussions.  Chris Evans, from MyPrimaryFocus, caught the action on camera in a series of photos.  The rule, 4.4.2, vaguely explains that if the ball carrier's helmet comes off during a play, that it is immediately ruled dead, and the ball is placed at the spot where the helmet came off.While the rule was probably instated with good intentions, strict compliance with it may not be practical.  Rules that are put in place to protect high school football player's safety are completely necessary, but in this case Tucker was not in danger.  The rule overstepped its intention and greatly effected the outcome of a game.

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