Spearing in football is defined as the intentional use of which technique?

• A. A head-down contact technique
• B. A shoulder tackle with head up
• C. A forearm block with head down
• D. A blindside tackle

Answer: (A)

Spearing is deliberately using the helmet to initiate contact by driving with the head down into an opponent. The key idea here is the head-down position and helmet-first contact, which is dangerous and prohibited. This best matches the description of a head-down contact technique. Keeping the head up and leading with the shoulder describes proper tackling form, while the other options involve different contact scenarios that don’t center on using the helmet as the primary contact point. Spearing is penalized because it greatly increases the risk of neck and head injuries, so players are taught to tackle with the head up and shoulder lead.