Hurdling - FG and PAT
Posted: 9/22/2016
Q: We called hurdling on a try for point where the player jumped the guard. The coaches interpretation is that if the lineman’s hand was down (our referee and umpire said it was not) that it was legal since the definition of hurdling states “hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump (hurdle) with one or both foot or knees foremost over an opponent who is contacting the ground with no part of his body except one or both feet.”
Assuming the lineman were in his stance with his hand on the ground and he remained so, what is your interpretation?
A: Rule 2-22 says for there to be a foul for hurdling, the “victim” may have no other body part touching the ground except for one or both feet. If the guard was either in a three or four point stance, he may be legally hurdled. If he has no hand on the ground and is hurdled, then that’s a foul.
If a hand is on the ground, it would not meet the definition of hurdling. Similar to what is allowed in baseball with the catcher. You cannot hurdle someone who is vulnerable.
