What's the call?

[4Afan]

Hey refs out there I have a question regarding a call in the Morris/LP game last night. Morris was flagged for a 15 yard penalty on a hit on a WR after a catch, but I have no idea what the penalty was. QB's arm was hit as he threw and the ball floated, WR jumped and made a nice catch but the Morris defender was right there and hit him while he was still in the air but he didn't hit him high or low. Is hitting a defenseless receiver a penalty in HS? That's all I can think of even though it didn't like that egregious of a hit. Even LP announcers weren't sure what the penalty was.

In the link below see the play that starts at 1:10:45

 

[80sRambler]

Similar call in the LA/IC game last night against IC. I believe that if one doesn't wrap his arms or play for the ball with open hands while receiver is in the act of catching it's considered an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver. But would love to hear from a ref as I don't even know enough to be dangerous when it comes to the rulebook.

 

[PowerI66]

Hit him right in the hip. Seems silly to me, whatever the rule may be

 

[OnVikings!]

Prohibited Contact (Rule 9-4-3)


No player or non-player shall initiate forceful, avoidable contact against a defenseless player that is deemed unnecessary or excessive.


Under Rule 2-32-16 and Rule 9-4-3, contact against a defenseless receiver is considered legal only if it is:

1. Incidental contact resulting from making a play on the ball.
2. Initiated with open hands.
3. An attempt to tackle by wrapping arm(s) around the receiver rather than launching or striking with the shoulder, head, or forearms.

 

[OnVikings!]

Definition of a Defenseless Player (Rule 2-32-16)

• • Vulnerable Individuals: Includes passers, receivers attempting to catch a pass who have not yet had time to become runners, and players making an interception. Runners are generally not classified as defenseless players.

 

[Colin2299]

Guess he was supposed to wrap his arms around him?