Coaches, players not losing their heads over new helmet rule

After one week with the NCAA's new helmet rules, only a few have popped off. Coaches, that is.

By Paul Abell,, US PRESSWIRE

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd had to sit out three plays Saturday, including the one following this run, after losing his helmet three times against Auburn.

By Paul Abell,, US PRESSWIRE

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd had to sit out three plays Saturday, including the one following this run, after losing his helmet three times against Auburn.

Although numbers for the first weekend of play haven't been compiled, national coordinator of officiating Rogers Redding said anecdotal evidence seemed to show no dramatic change in the number of times players lost their helmets. If it seemed that way, it's because the rules now require a player whose helmet comes off during play to sit out the next play.

After Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd lost his helmet three times and missed three plays, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney expressed concern over the rule and said the Tigers will make sure to have a backup quarterback warmed up.

"For us it's a little bit of a challenge," Swinney said. "When you run your quarterback, he gets hit. Sometimes he gets in some piles. Sometimes helmets find their way … off their head."

But Redding said he hadn't received much pushback from coaches. In 2011, according to the NCAA's Football Rules Committee, players lost their helmet during play an average of more than twice a game. He said the new rule wasn't intended to punish players, but to emphasize safety.

"You hate for that to happen," he said. "On the other hand, it's a simple situation. If you have your helmet on snugly … you won't have to leave the game."

But Swinney said Boyd's issues went beyond the helmet's fit.

"I don't know how we could secure the helmet anymore," Swinney said. "We were basically about to cut his circulation off trying to keep it on."

Several other coaches said they remain proponents of the rule. Two Alabama players lost their helmets during the Tide's win against Michigan. Linebacker Adrian Hubbard didn't have to leave the field because a Michigan player was penalized for grabbing his face mask. Running back Eddie Lacy, who had to sit out a play, claimed the helmet was ripped off while he was in a pile.

"I think it's a good rule," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said. "I hate to see players penalized, but I also think the players have to be responsible to wear their helmet properly."

Redding said it will take a few weeks to discern a trend, if any. But he noticed one thing during the first week of play. A few times after helmets came off, the players simply headed for the sideline before the officials sent them off.

"I guess the players know what they're supposed to do," he said. "I think the message is getting across. Those helmets need to stay on."

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