The Flying Wedge Formation: Brute Force vs. Safety
Football has been around for more than 100 years, and throughout its existence, tactics have evolved and will continue to do so.
One such tactic that came and went was the Flying Wedge Formation. It was a game-changer and revolutionized the way football was played; however, its use had serious consequences.
In this article, we will delve into the history, mechanics, injuries, and safety concerns surrounding the Flying Wedge Formation.
History and Mechanics of the Flying Wedge Formation
The Flying Wedge Formation originated from military formations. The ancient Greeks used the Phalanx Formation as a battle strategy, which involved soldiers forming a tight formation, relying heavily on shields and spears to repel enemy attacks.
Similarly, the Flying Wedge Formation was designed to create a ‘wedge’ that split the opposing team’s defense. It was introduced to football by Harvard coach, Percy Haughton, in 1892.
The Flying Wedge Formation was primarily an offensive tactic. It involved the creation of a triangle formation by the blockers who would lead the charge for the ball carrier.
The tactic relied heavily on momentum and brute force to push through the defense. The ball carrier would run behind the wedge formed by the blockers and continue down the field.
The formation was unstoppable, and opposing teams found it difficult to defend against such a formidable force.
Injuries and Death Resulting from Flying Wedge Formation
The use of the Flying Wedge Formation resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. The frequency and severity of injuries were alarming.
The wedge created by the blockers delivered devastating blows to the defenders who tried to stop it. The head and spinal injuries were the most severe, and some players were not able to get up on their feet again after being knocked to the ground.
The historical record points to a sobering truth – there were several deaths and a multitude of injuries that resulted from the Flying Wedge Formation. The casualties were so high that the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, decided to intervene in 1905.
He organized a summit to discuss the safety of football. The meeting resulted in a set of rules that aimed to minimize fatalities and injuries, one of which was the banning of the Flying Wedge Formation, which took effect in 1912.
Banning of the Flying Wedge Formation Due to Safety Concerns
The ban of the Flying Wedge Formation sparked outrage among some coaches and football enthusiasts. However, the safety concerns were too significant, and the ban was necessary.
Football was a brutal sport, and players were getting hurt beyond recognition. Moreover, there was little or no focus on player safety, and coaches were mostly interested in winning games.
The ban of the Flying Wedge Formation signaled the start of a new era in football, where safety was a top priority.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Flying Wedge Formation was a revolutionary tactic in football, but it came with severe consequences. The wedge created by the blockers delivered devastating blows that resulted in head, neck, and spinal injuries, leading to fatalities.
The historical ban of the formation in 1912 defines its place in football history. However, it remains a reminder that the pursuit of victory and glory should never be at the expense of safety and human life, both on and off the field.
The Flying Wedge Formation was a game-changer in football in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the formation was banned due to safety concerns following numerous injuries and fatalities.
The National Football League (NFL) banned the Flying Wedge formation in 1905, while Rugby Union and Rugby League have banned it more recently. In this article, we delve into the Flying Wedge Ban in Football and Rugby and the reasons behind this decision.
Ban of the Flying Wedge in Football
The NFL banned the Flying Wedge formation in 1905, primarily due to the high frequency of injuries caused by the formation. The ban was part of a series of safety reforms instituted after eighteen deaths in college football in 1905, according to historical records.
The ban was not complete at first since it only covered the area ten yards or so back from the line of scrimmage. However, in 1911, the league banned the Flying Wedge from all its teams to improve the game’s safety.
The prohibitive rule came after the New York Giants used the Flying Wedge formation in a playoff game against the Chicago Bears in 1908, resulting in significant injuries to several players, according to historical records. After the game, the league decided to ban any formation considered unnecessary roughness, and the Flying Wedge formation fell under this category.
Giants owner John Mara, whose team had been adversely affected in the aforementioned game, was one of the people leading the campaign to ban the formation. He felt that the players’ safety was more important than winning, and the Flying Wedge Formation was too dangerous to be used in the game.
Use of the Flying Wedge in Rugby Union and Rugby League
In contrast, Rugby Union and Rugby League have recently banned the Flying Wedge Formation to remain in line with their safety guidelines. The formation, often referred to as the ‘human torpedo,’ has a brutal nature and an injury frequency that makes it a risk to player safety.
The Flying Wedge Formation was used extensively in rugby leagues in the past. In Rugby League, the formation was an attacking tactic where players would come together and act as a moving wall that could not be stopped.
The use of the Wedge was banned in Rugby League in the 1920s, according to historical records. On the other hand, in Rugby Union, the formation was mostly used in line-outs to force a gap in the opposing team’s line.
However, the formation was banned in 2017 after several injuries were caused due to its usage. In particular, the formation caused spinal injuries to players during mauls, which led to the Rugby Football Union banning the formation in all levels of the game.
Reasons for Banning the Flying Wedge in Rugby
The reason for banning the Flying Wedge Formation in Rugby Union was the brutal nature of the tactic, which led to a high frequency of injuries. Players would come together in the formation, delivering massive hits and tackles, making it very difficult for opposing teams to counteract.
Injuries were so frequent that the Rugby Football Union began to question the safety of the Flying Wedge Formation, leading to its eventual banning. In conclusion, the Flying Wedge Formation was a revolutionary tactic in football and rugby, but its use was discontinued due to the safety concerns it posed to players.
The NFL banned the formation in 1905, and the Rugby Union banned it in 2017. Rugby League had banned it in the 1920s.
These bans serve as a reminder that player safety should be a top priority in any sport, and dangerous tactics should be avoided at all costs. Ultimately, the Flying Wedge Formation lives on in the history books, but it is a tactic that has been rightfully banned.
The Flying Wedge Formation, a revolutionary tactic in football and rugby, was banned due to player safety concerns stemming from injuries and fatalities. The National Football League, Rugby Union, and Rugby League all prohibited the formation, highlighting that player safety should be a top priority in any sport.
This banning should serve as a reminder that dangerous tactics should always be avoided in sport. In conclusion, it is crucial to prioritize player safety to keep the game fun and enjoyable for all.
FAQs:
1. When was the Flying Wedge Formation banned in football?
A: The National Football League banned the Flying Wedge formation in 1912. 2.
Which team led a campaign to ban the Flying Wedge Formation in football, and why? A: The New York Giants led the campaign due to significant injuries suffered by their players in a playoff game against the Chicago Bears in 1908.
3. What is the Flying Wedge Formation, and how does it work?
A: The Flying Wedge Formation is a triangle formation created by the blockers in an offensive play that relied on momentum and brute force to push through the defense. 4.
When was the Flying Wedge Formation banned in Rugby Union, and what type of injuries led to the banning? A: The Flying Wedge Formation was banned in Rugby Union in 2017, mainly due to spinal injuries caused by the formation during mauls.
5. Was the Flying Wedge Formation banned in Rugby League, and when?
A: The Flying Wedge Formation was banned in Rugby League in the 1920s.