This rule is going to be even more of a nightmare to enforce than the taunting rule. Already officials have basically been looking at the reaction instead of what they actually saw and called helmet-to-helmet. The new rule just enshrines that practice and it's going to be abused, a lot. I understand the need and desire to protect players, but I do not want to see Roger Goodell-style coddling brought to college football.
Good rule. They'll easily find a way around this one. Old farts don't know half the technology out there today.
I think those are all pretty good rules. The helmet one is the toughest, but it at least makes it easier to call since all that really matters is how the offensive players helmet moves violently. The old rule also had the ref have to decide if the defensive player hit with his own helmet. It's always an adventure when Penn Wagers is refing a game. GEAUX TIGERS
We talked about this in another thread, but I'll be interested to see how they handle the taunting by unnecessarily diving into the end zone. If a defender is close, the ball carrier will argue that he had to dive to score. It could easily become a judgement call situation. Good rule, if they properly enforce it. I remember JJ getting hammered at 'Bama two years ago with a blatant spear to the chest. No call. I didn't realize plays already were blown dead for this. Usually when the helmet comes off, its from the force of a hit that takes him down anyway. But from the ref's example, I can see where the old rule (stopping the clock), could be abused. How will this affect The Hat when he chooses to eat some grass? Oh wait, I'm confusing this with the 5-second rule.
I wish they had left out the "neck area." Isn't that basically where shoulder pads are. Drill a guy around the collar bone and it's a penalty? So, the offense can't run a play if there are 12 defenders on the field? Sounds like a good way to get out of a bad personnel situation or shut down a no huddle/quick snap offense, w/o burning a timeout. Just run a 12th guy out there, so they can't snap the ball. Five yards? No big deal, especially if you'd be short a cover guy or your defense is coming unhinged.
