Clipping Penalty in Football
Football is a game of passion, strategy, and teamwork. However, every player also knows that it can be a dangerous game, and the risk of injury is always present.
This is why there are rules in place to keep players safe, such as the clipping penalty. In this article, we will define the clipping penalty, explore how it is identified, and discuss its dangers and history.
Definition
The clipping penalty in football refers to a block from behind below the waist. This type of block is dangerous because it can cause injuries to the legs and knees of the player being clipped.
It is important to note that the penalty only applies to blocks from behind and not blocks from the side or front of a player.
Identification and Exceptions
The clipping penalty can be difficult to identify, especially in close-line play. Referees are trained to look for certain signs, such as the position of the blocker and the angle of the block.
Despite their training, however, they are not infallible. In some cases, a clipping penalty may be called even though the block was not actually from behind.
Conversely, a clip may be missed if it happens quickly or in a crowded field. Exceptions to the clipping penalty rule exist in certain situations.
For instance, a player can legally clip an opponent who is in the process of kicking the ball. This is because the player is not a target, and the clip is meant to prevent the kick rather than injure the opponent.
Similarly, a ball carrier who trips and falls may inadvertently clip a player behind them. In such cases, the penalty may not be called since the clip was unintentional.
Dangers and History
The clipping penalty has been a part of football for over a century, and for good reason. The risk of injury associated with this type of block is significant.
Depending on the angle and force of the block, the player being clipped can suffer serious leg injuries, such as torn ligaments, fractured bones, and dislocated joints. In some cases, the injury can be career-ending.
Because of the dangers associated with the clipping penalty, it has been banned in some countries and leagues. In the early 1900s, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States abolished the use of clipping at the college level.
Other organizations, such as the National Football League (NFL), have specific rules in place to minimize the risk of clipping. For instance, the NFL prohibits clipping on punt and kick returns, and referees are required to call the penalty whenever it occurs.
Penalty Signal
In addition to understanding the clipping penalty, it is important to know how referees signal a penalty during a game. The penalty signal involves several steps, each of which communicates important information to players, coaches, and spectators.
Procedure
The penalty signal begins with the referee throwing a yellow flag to indicate that a penalty has been committed. The flag is usually thrown towards the spot where the penalty occurred.
Once the flag is thrown, the referee will make a series of hand movements to indicate the type of penalty and the player or team responsible. The first hand movement involves a wrist strike to the opposite wrist.
This indicates that the penalty was committed by the team on offense. If the penalty was committed by the team on defense, the referee will point in the direction of the offense.
The next step involves the referee indicating the number of the player responsible. The referee will hold up their hands in the shape of the player’s number.
For instance, if player number 21 committed the penalty, the referee will hold up two fingers on one hand and one finger on the other. The final step in the penalty signal is to indicate the distance of the penalty.
Referees do this by striking their calf with their hand. The number of strikes indicates the distance of the penalty.
For instance, one strike indicates a 5-yard penalty, while two strikes indicate a 10-yard penalty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the clipping penalty and the penalty signal are both important aspects of football gameplay. The clipping penalty serves to keep players safe by protecting them from dangerous blocks from behind.
The penalty signal helps everyone involved in the game to understand what has happened, who is responsible, and what the consequences will be. By understanding and respecting these rules, players, coaches, and fans can enjoy the game while minimizing the risk of injury.
In summary, the clipping penalty is a rule in football that prohibits blocking from behind below the waist, as it is dangerous and can cause serious injuries. Referees must identify and determine when to apply it, using the penalty signal to communicate the decision to players, coaches, and spectators.
A takeaway is that understanding and respecting these rules can help keep the game safe for everyone involved.
FAQs:
1.
What is the clipping penalty in football? The clipping penalty in football is a rule that prohibits blocking from behind below the waist, to prevent serious injuries.
2. How is the clipping penalty identified?
Referees are trained to look for specific signs and angles, but it can still be difficult to identify in close-line play. 3.
When can a player legally clip an opponent? A player can legally clip an opponent who is in the process of kicking the ball, as this is meant to prevent the kick rather than injure the opponent.
4. What are the dangers associated with the clipping penalty?
Depending on the angle and force of the block, the player being clipped can suffer serious leg injuries, such as torn ligaments, fractured bones, and dislocated joints. 5.
What is the penalty signal, and why is it important? The penalty signal involves several steps to indicate what happened, who is responsible, and what the consequences will be, helping everyone involved in the game to understand.