By its very nature, the game of football can be rough. With 22 heavily padded players moving at full speed in a confined space, violent collisions are bound to occur. Officials must be on high alert to prevent substantial physical contact from becoming unnecessary, excessive and dangerous.
No player shall make contact with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary or excessive or incites roughness. Such acts are personal fouls (NFHS 9-4-3g; NCAA 9-1). PlayPic A is an illustration of a common football occurrence. The runner is wrapped up and his forward progress is stopped. The tackler must work to bring the runner to the ground in a manner that is not unnecessary or excessive. He might fall backward and bring the ball carrier down on top of him or fall such that both players land on the ground side by side.
He may not sling the opponent over the top of him in a body slamming motion, as seen in PlayPic B. This act is unnecessary, excessive and incites roughness. It is a dangerous play and a personal foul should be ruled so player safety is maintained as a top priority.
