[82 Card]

[quote author=82 Card link=topic=15760.msg173216#msg173216 date=1474844123]
[quote author=Spiny_Norman link=topic=15760.msg173215#msg173215 date=1474843390]
From the rule that MT quoted - "When in doubt, it is a foul."

A literalist would have no doubt that the picture does not show a hit with the very top.
[/quote]

The "crown" is not the top of the helmet.  It is the area from just above the facemask to the top center of the helmet.  The photo illustrates a perfect crown impact.  I know this because I was taught to lead with the crown when tackling back in the 70s at the Offense/Defense football camps.  I was taught by pro and college coaches.  This used to be considered proper technique.  It helped me become an All CIF linebacker in HS.  This was before this technique was linked to TBI.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, the rule says: "Crown of the Helmet—the top portion of the helmet." While your interpretation makes sense and is not inconsistent with the rule, which is supposed to be interpreted broadly, the rule writers could have done a better job.

My playing days were also in the 70's. Much of what I learned would be illegal now. On the other hand, a lot of things that would get flagged as holding now seem to be OK.

[82 Card]

[quote author=82 Card link=topic=15760.msg173216#msg173216 date=1474844123]
[quote author=Spiny_Norman link=topic=15760.msg173215#msg173215 date=1474843390]
From the rule that MT quoted - "When in doubt, it is a foul."

A literalist would have no doubt that the picture does not show a hit with the very top.
[/quote]

The "crown" is not the top of the helmet.  It is the area from just above the facemask to the top center of the helmet.  The photo illustrates a perfect crown impact.  I know this because I was taught to lead with the crown when tackling back in the 70s at the Offense/Defense football camps.  I was taught by pro and college coaches.  This used to be considered proper technique.  It helped me become an All CIF linebacker in HS.  This was before this technique was linked to TBI.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, the rule says: "Crown of the Helmet—the top portion of the helmet." While your interpretation makes sense and is not inconsistent with the rule, which is supposed to be interpreted broadly, the rule writers could have done a better job.

My playing days were also in the 70's. Much of what I learned would be illegal now. On the other hand, a lot of things that would get flagged as holding now seem to be OK.