Do you have a tidbit or post with more detail about why hands were eventually allowed away from the body, Tim? And what's the rule now? Anything goes except grabbing with the hands, i.e. holding? What was the penalty call under the old rule, when the arms extended?
Under current rules, the blockers can use "uncupped" open hands straight out in front of their chest, waist area (no arms to the side to wall off (arm bar) or impede) to fend off and block opponents, but they cannot grab, clasp, hook, etc. The old rule before 1977 were holding
Do you have a tidbit or post with more detail about why hands were eventually allowed away from the body, Tim? And what's the rule now? Anything goes except grabbing with the hands, i.e. holding? What was the penalty call under the old rule, when the arms extended?
Tom,
Under current rules, the blockers can use "uncupped" open hands straight out in front of their chest, waist area (no arms to the side to wall off (arm bar) or impede) to fend off and block opponents, but they cannot grab, clasp, hook, etc. The old rule before 1977 were holding
I'll try to find an angle to tell that story, but it is covered on page 279 of How Football Became Football, which I know you own.