Offensive Facemasking

[vokac]

I searched the forums, and did not find this anywhere so.

I seem to get Offensive Facemasking called on me atleast once a game, and as I call my own plays I tend to notice it.

It is always a 15 yard pentaly tacked on from where the ball ended up.

I have never heard of Offensive Facemasking is why I ask, should it just be a different pentaly?

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Facemasking is facemasking, regardless of what side of the ball it's on. It's the same penalty since it is a rule to prevent the same injury (i.e. ripping a guy's head off). Now, in the NFL, you usually see it on defence because people are trying to make tackles, but if you ask Kyle Turley, he could tell you what the offensive variety looks like. :) It could occur during a block or stiff arm most likely, but it is rarer on offense in the NFL.

[vokac]

Thank you, that was my guess but I have never heard of it being called is why I asked.

[gstelmack]

I believe the more typical call on offense is "hands to the face".

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I believe the more typical call on offense is "hands to the face".

However, it is more common, but it is not the equivalent of facemasking. That technically is an illegal block by using the hands as a thrusting motion. Facemasking in the rulebook is not designated as defensive or offensive. The rule simply is "No player shall grasp the face mask of an opponent."

[sperril]

For the record:

Incidental facemask is 5 yards.

Illegal hands to the face is 10 yards.

Intentional facemask is a personal foul. 15 yards.

Any of these fouls can be offensive or defensive. On defense, these fouls result in an automatic first down with the exception of Incidental facemask.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

For the record:

Incidental facemask is 5 yards.

Illegal hands to the face is 10 yards.

Intentional facemask is a personal foul. 15 yards.

Any of these fouls can be offensive or defensive. On defense, these fouls result in an automatic first down with the exception of Incidental facemask.

Except that for the upcoming season, the "incidental" facemask penalty has been dropped from the rulebook.

[sperril]

Yup. All facemasks will now be 15 yard personal fouls, but accidently touching the facemask without gripping or turning it will no longer be a penalty.

[vokac]

Interesting, had no idea they were getting rid of the 5.