I'm sure it's maybe called out in the INFC Rulebook somewhere, but I figured a lot of you would know the answer already. Plus, I think it's helpful to create some awareness here, for the safety of these youth players.
In our game this past Saturday, the ref on our sideline was refusing to call multiple targeting penalties. Meaning, a player leading with the crown of his helmet, and basically spearing another player (ball carrier) directly in the helmet. Their helmets were the first things to make contact in every case. Although the Ref never flat out said it was not a penalty, it happened so many times to the ball carrier, and right in front of the his view, that I think the ref either wasn't completely sure if it was a youth penalty, or maybe I'm in the wrong and it's not a penalty at this level. It's a tough topic, as it happens inadvertently too, and youth can't always be taught to control it. As a coach, I get it.
Can anyone shed some light on this one for me? So, the question is, is leading with the crown of your helmet and spearing the ball carrier helmet to helmet a penalty in youth FB?
Just to be clear, I'd never be a fan of DQ'ing a youth player by any means, as I think that's more on us as coaches, and these are also just kids. I'd even be okay if the penalty was only a 5 yarder (maybe even a warning at first instance?), just something to provide a disincentive to reinforce to the players that you can't tackle like that, for the safety of both Offensive and Defensive players. Until it gets called as a penalty, it will continue, IMO. My heart hurts for any youth FB player that experiences a concussion. Concussions are the primary thing killing interest in the greatest team sport in the world. Whether you're an "old school guy" or not, we all have to realize that fact, and do our best to mitigate them. Leading with the crown is also super dangerous for the tackler as well of course.