1. HELMET CONTACT & CONCUSSIONS
Tim Tebow suffering concussion in 2009
Mike Webb, WVSSAC Football Clinician

2. This is a classic example of what we do not want or need !!!
This video clip is rather graphic and disturbing. Two little 8-year olds are told to butt heads. In the background a mother is yelling GO-GO-GO.
Number 20 can be heard whimpering and the other kid is holding his head.

3. OFFICIAL This patch is our newest marketing tool.
When wearing this you demonstrate you are responsible for fair play and safe play.
OFFICIAL

4. ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT  (Point of Emphasis):
Illegal Helmet Contact:
Rule 2-20: Illegal helmet contact is an act of initiating contact with the helmet against an opponent. There are several types of illegal helmet contact:
a. Butt Blocking is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against an opponent who is not a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.
b. Face Tackling is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.
c. Spearing is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against any opponent with the top of his helmet.
Rule 9-4-3i: Initiate illegal helmet contact. (butt block, face tackle or spear)
NOTE: Illegal helmet contact may be considered a flagrant act. Acts to be considered flagrant include, but are not limited to:
1. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent lying on the ground,
2. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent being held up by other players, and/or
3. Illegal helmet-to-helmet contact against a defenseless opponent.

5. Illegal Helmet Contact:
Rules reminder of the three revisions in 2007 dealing with Illegal Helmet Contact. These are an attempt by the committee to reorganize the existing rules and definitions by bringing them under one heading.
Rule 2-20: Illegal helmet contact is an act of initiating contact with the helmet against an opponent. There are several types of illegal helmet contact:
a. Butt Blocking is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against an opponent who is not a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.
b. Face Tackling is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.
c. Spearing is an act by an offensive or defensive player who initiates contact against any opponent with the top of his helmet.
Review these rules

6. 2008 NFHS FOOTBALL Points Of Emphasis
Rule 9-4-3i: Initiate illegal helmet contact. (butt block, face tackle or spear)
NOTE: Illegal helmet contact may be considered a flagrant act. Acts to be considered flagrant include, but are not limited to:
1. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent lying on the ground,
2. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent being held up by other players, and/or
→→3. Illegal helmet-to-helmet contact against a defenseless opponent.
Rationale for Change:
In addition to the emphasis on safety concerns, these revisions give examples of some types of illegal helmet contact that may result in disqualification.
Case Book: See SITUATIONS A and B; SITUATION K
Note two red arrows. I think ILLEGAL helmet-to-helmet contact should be ruled flagrant. We just have to be careful and separate ILLEGAL helmet-to-helmet from just plain helmet-to-helmet contact.

7. OFFICIALS: NEW RULE 3-5-10b 2010
“Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behavior consistent with a concussion (such as lose of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, confusions, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until released by an appropriate health care professional.”
No physician’s statement to officials required to return to play.
Schools will need to develop a policy dealing with concussions and when players may return to play.

8. Signs and Symptoms
These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred.
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit
Can’t recall events after hit
This list shows signs for officials and signs and symptoms for coaches.
From 2006 Points of Emphasis

9. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions
(Information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Action Plan
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
1. Remove athlete from play.
2. Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3. Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional.
“When in doubt – sit them out!”
The Action Plan is for the player’s own safety
Schools should have an Emergency Plan in place

10. COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES:
Must show one of the videos demonstrating the dangers of illegal helmet contact.
Must teach proper tackling and blocking techniques.
Must monitor players contact during practices and games.
It has been reported by some players that they have never seen the relevant videos.
5. If a player has suffered a concussion, be sure they receive sufficient physical and cognitive rest.
Reminder to coaches. “IF IN DOUBT – SIT THEM OUT”

11. When in Doubt –
Sit Them Out !

12. Defenseless Receiver -- Should be ruled as a Flagrant Foul !!!
Mike Webb
There are several replays of this action. Note the defender launching himself so his helmet contacts the head of the defenseless receiver.

13. ILLEGAL HELMET–
TO-
HELMET CONTACT,
IS IT A FLAGRANT FOUL?