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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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SeasonGamesTotal CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsetting
202026934455161806
20212851151000
20182671623110600
20192672737191813
Totals1088781072364219


Penalties By Season - Per Game

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

Scroll left and right for additional columns.
SeasonGamesTotal CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsetting
20202690.131.690.060.070.000.02
20212850.000.050.000.000.000.00
20182670.060.870.040.020.000.00
20192670.101.390.030.070.000.01
Totals10880.070.990.030.040.000.01