HELMET CONTACT & CONCUSSIONS

HELMET CONTACT & CONCUSSIONS Mike Webb, WVSSAC Football Clinician

This is a classic example of what we do not want or need !!!

OFFICIAL

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.

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 2.20.1 SITUATIONS A and B; 9.4.3 SITUATION K

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.

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 From 2006 Points of Emphasis

Point of Emphasis for 2006-07Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions 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!” (Information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

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.

When in Doubt – Sit Them Out !

Defenseless Receiver -- Should be ruled as a Flagrant Foul !!! Mike Webb

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

HELMET CONTACT & CONCUSSIONS