Barakas":sd5mjodn said:
What are the rules against pushing the pile (or are there any)?
I absolutely loved the play but I thought for sure that what happened was not legal and should have been flagged or at least the whistle blown dead or something??
Here's the definition. I've never seen it called though.
Helping the Runner
What does Helping the Runner Mean?
It is illegal for an offensive player to aid a runner in advancing the ball forward. An offensive player may block for the runner, but may not push them forward. If an offensive player is deemed to have helped a runner advance the ball, a 10-yard penalty will be assessed.
Sporting Charts explains Helping the Runner
This rule was implemented to prevent teams from lining up their biggest players behind their running back or tail back, and helping them move the pack. No offensive player may lift a runner to his feet or pull him in any direction at any time, nor push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball. The foul for assisting the runner is a ten-yard penalty. Prior to the rule being implemented, a running back stopped by the opposing team would sometimes get an assist from behind.
