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Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact

Definition

It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. The rule applies to all players on the field at all times, and contact does not have to be to an opponent's head or neck area; lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent's torso, hips or lower body is also a penalty.

Outcome

15 yards. If committed on defense; automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.

Penalties By Season

Note: Offsetting and Declined penalties are ignored, except where specified.

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SeasonGamesPenalty CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsettingTotal Flags
20202693445516180640
202128511510001
2018267162311060016
2019267273719181331
Totals108878107236421988


Penalties By Season - Per Game

Note: Offsetting and Declined penalties are ignored, except where specified.

Scroll left and right for additional columns.
SeasonGamesPenalty CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsettingTotal Flags
20202690.131.690.060.070.000.020.15
20212850.000.050.000.000.000.000.00
20182670.060.870.040.020.000.000.06
20192670.101.390.030.070.000.010.12
Totals10880.070.990.030.040.000.010.08