How Much Defense Can You Play?

[Grim Tuesday]

I feel quite sorry for the head refs this year. At least the reasonably astute observer has been fired.

From Q138 on the definition of consequential and purposeful

A. Consequential means the action has an effect on the outcome of the MATCH. Purposeful means the action was deemed intentional.

I can think of quite a few valid cases where it can be argued that contact is consequential. It is very easy to argue (truthfully) that someone playing defense and accidentally contacts you while you contact the pyramid slows you down and lowers your scoring. If the match was close that's consequential. Only one of the conditions need be fulfilled for the penalty to take place so even if the contact was accidental, it can still be ruled consequential.

And isn't the point of contact defense to be consequential on the match? If not why would anyone play it.

I suspect either head refs will be very unwilling to give out these sorts of penalties, letting defense run wild or will hand them out like there's no tomorrow. It very well may be regional dependent.