There will be no changes to new helmet rules: NFL

NFL chiefs on Wednesday vowed to press ahead with the league’s new helmet rule despite a storm of controversy which has erupted during its use in preseason games.

A statement from Troy Vincent, the National Football League’s executive vice president, ruled out any possibility of changing the new laws ahead of the regular season.

Vincent said the decision to stick with the rule change was taken after a meeting of the NFL’s competition n committee.

“The committee e resolved that there will be no changes hanges to the rule as approved by clubs this spring, which includes cludes no additional use of instant replay,” Vincent said.

“The committee ttee also determined d that inadvertent t o r i nc i de nt a l contact with the e helmet and/or facecemask is not a foul. ul.

“As all adjust to the new rule, we will continue to provide video feedback and examples of fouls and incorrect calls to coaches, players and officials over the next two weeks and throughout the season as this new rule is implemented.” The NFL toughened up its rules concerning tackles involving the helmet in March in a move aimed at reducing the number and severity of concussions and other head injuries. As of this season, players who lower their heads to initiate contact with the helmet will face a 15-yard 15-y penalty and possi possible ejection. Howev However the rule change has drawn a mixe mixed response sinc since being introduc duced in prese season games t this month, leaving l coache es, players and fans fan confused over what constitutes a foul under the new regulation.

A game between the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars last Saturday saw a total of 20 penalties awarded throughout the game.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer later said: “It’s just hard to figure out. No one has ever said to me: ‘Hey, don’t worry about it, we’re going to call it less or we’ll get it straightened out in the regular season. Or we’re going to come up with a revised rule.’”

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (pictured AFP) slammed the law change as “idiotic” and impossible to enforce.

“There is no ‘make adjustment’ to the way you tackle,” Sherman tweeted. “Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic and should be dismissed immediately.

“When you watch rugby players tackle they are still lead by their head. Will be flag football soon.”