Question
There have been several plays lately where it looked like a face mask call was missed by the officials. One was by a BC player on a Saskatchewan receiver, and another was a Calgary player on the Toronto quarterback.
How can this call be missed?
Answer
There is a penalty for “Grasping the facemask”. In both of these situations the officials felt the tackling players’ hand came across the facemask but there was no grasping involved. Having reviewed film on both of the plays you ask about, there was no grasping of the face mask and the no-calls were correct.
Tom Higgins is the CFL’s Director of Officiating. Prior to joining the Canadian Football League office, Higgins spent more than 25 years as a player, coach and personnel director.
