New Amateur Tackle Rules for 2019/20 Season Approved

As it has become the norm, tackle rules are updated every year. Last year, the rule book was updated to include new regulations on “Targeting” and clock management when the mercy rule was in effect. This year, nearly a dozen dictates have been changed, clarified or corrected.

The process to update the rule book began last December, with parents, coaches, and spectators being allowed to make suggestions. After months of consultation, the Canadian Amateur Tackle Football Rule book agreed on the following new rules.

#1: No More “Blindside” Blocks

First introduced to the CFL last year, amateur football has now adopted a law prohibiting players from initiating “blindside” blocks. Blindside blocks involve forcibly challenging an opponent while they move backward, often toward their team’s goal line.

With the new rule, players are forbidden from carrying out blindside blocks at any point of the field. The CFL introduced the stipulation last year as a way to reduce on-field injuries. It worked as no one could be injured from the move anymore.

Blindside blocks have been illegal for a while. But lack of precise wording habitually resulted in players committing the same foul.

#2: Standardization of the Sliding Rule

Players are at liberty to slide when attempting to score or for any other reason. But there is one requirement. They can only slide when in a significant distance from defences. Otherwise, they could be penalized for endangering themselves.

Should contact happen because a player slid too closely to opponents, the defences won’t be penalized. While the new rule mainly targets attack line players, it will also be applied in specific other scenarios. For example, a player possessing the ball will be required to remain disciplined when they decide to slide ad a way of giving themselves up.

#3: Tackling Out of Bounds

What some people call piling on is now illegal in amateur football. Officials define an out of bound tackle as one done when the ball is dead. Whether a player is out of the pitch or he just passed the ball, a tackle made to the wrong player will be penalized.

More focus will be given to quarterbacks and kickers after they’ve stopped play. If an opponent takes advantage of a quarterback in such a case, they should expect immediate penalties. The only time rough tackling may be tolerated is during eSports tournaments and virtual betting events.

Electronic sports are professional sports competitions done over computers and streamed live for millions to view. Some rules can be adjusted during eSports football tournaments to make the games more entertaining.

Predictably, piling on is being banned from increasing player safety. There is no reason for players to make unnecessary tackles anyway. And if it leads to injuries, a penalty to the offending player is warranted.

#4: Rule Prohibiting tying of Team Jerseys

Players found with knotted jerseys will be penalized instantly. Players knot jerseys to avoid being clasped by opponents or for flexibility reasons. Jersey knotting had become prominent throughout the country before this season. But as per the updated rule book, players caught with tied jerseys will be given a firm warning. Should they fail to comply, they could be removed from play until they untie their jerseys. The rule hopes to improve fairness and keep players safe.

#5: Rule about Block below the Waist/Knees

Players will only be allowed to block opponents below the waist only when the play occurs around tight ends. In all other scenarios, no one can challenge an opponent in any area below the waist. Again, blocks will only be allowed within two yards of the defensive side at the snap of the ball.

Similar to the first rule, this update is about enhancing security to players. Blocking players below the knees has perennially been an effective way to stop an opponent. However, it comes at the expense of causing physical harm.

#6: Rule Against unnecessary Roughness

Reducing physical contact has been a goal of the amateur football rule book. From now on, players will be penalized for needlessly running into, diving into, blocking or forcibly using their bodies to challenge opponents.

Referees will be lenient if the challenge is not pre-meditated. Of course, the burden lies on the players to know when to challenge a player and when not to. If a match official believes a player committed a foul having anticipated an opponent, they will be at liberty to penalize them.

#7: New Changes on “Sleeper” Rules

This is yet another rule coming to amateur football after successful adoption in the CFL. The “Sleeper Play” is a deceptive pass abused by teams when substitution is ongoing. A player could stand next to their team’s bench and make opponents believe they’ve been substituted.

Deceptive plays are still legal when made to players visibly located on the pitch. But where one player stands remotely, particularly near their team’s bench, a “sleeper pass” will be disqualified. An offending team could also be penalized for making the move.

The new laws specifically warn against using substitution proceedings to hoodwink opponents. The goal is to provide clarity to all players and keep the game fair.

#8: No Challenge to the Neck or Head

This is an existing rule recently updated to improve its definition. Before this season, players were barely punished if they thrust their hands to opponents’ heads and necks as long as they didn’t cause harm. Angrily removing an opponent’s facemask or anything else carried a minor fine.

Henceforth, using hands to contact an opponent’s head or neck will be punished strictly. The rule was updated to increase player protection; something parents countrywide have always supported.

To Conclude

The amateur rule book has a trend of updating its rules annually. This year, increasing player safety was given priority. From players being disallowed to tie jerseys to rules about roughness, expect less contact when you attend amateur football games.

Most parents have always advocated for better safety regulations in the game, so the rule should come as good news. Feel free to consult with your team’s coach to find out more about the rules.