Anybody here ever had a helping the runner penalty called on you?

[Hwy17]

I had to look this up. Never heard of it before and from the looks of it, we all do it. 

 

 

 

[Beek]

Yes, I have. When I used to run single wing, the wedge play, the pile gets stacked up. The kids always want to help move the pile forward. I coach it "make sure there is an opposing jersey behind the runner. Then you can push him". This penalty usually doesn't get called unless the opposing coach complains. That means you are moving the ball on them!

[CoachGraham]

Got it called on us last year. It is such a lame rule. If you are able to aid the runner to that extent, the defense isn't doing a good enough job anyways. 

[Old Ref]

in the NFL pushing the runner was eliminated from the rule, but pulling or carrying are still penalized. As a HS football ref I called it one time. Runner was picked up in both arms of the fullback.

 

[CoachGraham]

36 minutes ago, Old Ref said:

in the NFL pushing the runner was eliminated from the rule, but pulling or carrying are still penalized. As a HS football ref I called it one time. Runner was picked up in both arms of the fullback.

 

And I think that is fair. But if you are pushing the runner from behind, the other team should just tackle at the legs. If they can't, that's football. Just my 2 cents. 

[PinellasFB]

So tush push is illegal in HS ball?

[CoachGraham]

10 hours ago, PinellasFB said:

So tush push is illegal in HS ball?

Sure is