Football is a fast-paced sport that millions of people from around the world love playing and watching, but it can be pretty brutal at times. The risk of injury is much higher than in other sports, such as soccer, and many rules have been put into place to help counteract that. One of these rules deals with targeting.
So, what is targeting in football?
Targeting refers to a defensive player deliberately making contact with an opponent above the shoulders. Targeting usually results in a penalty and potential ejection from the game. The rule is meant to protect players from serious head and neck injuries.
Over the years, college football and the National Football League (NFL) have put in more guidelines, such as the targeting rule, in an attempt to prevent serious injuries. To learn more about the rules and the controversy that surrounds them, keep reading!
What Is Targeting in Football?
Football is a sport that thrives on strategy, skill, and, unfortunately, a certain level of physicality that can sometimes lead to injuries. One of the most controversial aspects of this physicality is a rule known as “targeting.” But what exactly is targeting in football?
Targeting, in its simplest form, is a rule that penalizes players for dangerous hits, particularly those that involve striking an opponent above the shoulders or using the crown of the helmet to initiate contact. The rule is designed to promote player safety and discourage potentially harmful actions on the field.
The Concept of Targeting in Football
Targeting is a rule that was put in place to protect players from dangerous and potentially life-threatening injuries. It’s a term that has become increasingly important in recent years as we’ve become more aware of the long-term health risks associated with the sport.
Targeting can occur in a variety of ways, such as a player launching themselves at an opponent or leading with their helmet in a tackle. The rule is not limited to hits on defenseless players, but these are often the most scrutinized due to the increased risk of injury.
The purpose of the targeting rule is to promote player safety. Football is a physical sport, and while some level of contact is expected and accepted, there is a line that should not be crossed. Targeting can lead to serious injuries, including concussions and spinal damage.
The impact of targeting on player safety cannot be overstated. By penalizing and ejecting players for targeting, the rule aims to discourage such behavior and make the game safer for everyone involved. It sends a clear message that dangerous hits will not be tolerated.
The History of the Targeting Rule
The targeting rule has not always been a part of football. It was introduced as a response to growing concerns about player safety, particularly in relation to concussions and other head injuries.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) first introduced the targeting rule in 2008. The rule was designed to penalize players who struck an opponent above the shoulders during a tackle. The initial penalty for a targeting infraction was a 15-yard penalty.
However, as awareness about the long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries grew, the NCAA realized that a 15-yard penalty was not enough of a deterrent. In 2013, they added a new stipulation to the rule: any player who was flagged for targeting would be ejected from the game.
This change was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the NCAA for taking a strong stance on player safety, while others criticized the rule for being too harsh and subjective. Despite the controversy, the rule remained in place and has been enforced with increasing strictness over the years.
The NFL has also adopted a targeting rule, although it differs slightly from the NCAA’s rule. In the NFL, players can be penalized, fined, or even suspended for targeting infractions, depending on the severity of the hit and whether the player has a history of similar infractions.
The targeting rule has continued to evolve over time, with both the NCAA and NFL making adjustments as needed to better protect players. While the rule is not without its critics, there is no denying that it has had a significant impact on the way football is played today.
The Targeting Rule in Different Leagues
While the overarching goal of the targeting rule remains the same across different leagues – to ensure player safety – the specifics of the rule can vary. Let’s take a closer look at how the targeting rule is interpreted in college football and the NFL.
College Football
In college football, as governed by the NCAA, targeting is defined as striking an opponent above the shoulders or leading with the crown of the helmet. If a player is flagged for targeting, they are immediately ejected from the game. If the infraction occurs in the second half, the player is also suspended for the first half of the next game.
The NCAA has a replay review system in place to ensure that targeting calls are accurate. If a targeting call is made on the field, it is reviewed by replay officials. If the officials find that there was no targeting, the call is overturned, and the player is allowed to remain in the game.
NFL
The NFL’s targeting rule is slightly different. While the league also penalizes players for hits above the shoulders and leading with the helmet, the consequences can vary.
Players can be penalized, fined, or even suspended, depending on the severity of the hit and whether the player has a history of similar infractions.
Unlike the NCAA, the NFL does not automatically eject players for targeting. However, the league has been known to issue suspensions for particularly egregious hits.
The Controversy Surrounding the Targeting Rule
Despite its intention to protect players, the targeting rule has been a subject of controversy since its inception. The main points of contention revolve around the rule’s subjectivity, its impact on the game, and whether it truly serves its purpose of promoting player safety.
Subjectivity and Inconsistency
One of the main criticisms of the targeting rule is its subjectivity. The rule requires officials to make a judgment call on whether a player “targeted” an opponent, often in real-time and under high-pressure situations.
This has led to inconsistencies in how the rule is applied, with some hits being penalized while others, seemingly similar, are not. Critics argue that this inconsistency is unfair to players and teams and can significantly impact the outcome of games.
Impact on the Game
Another point of contention is the rule’s impact on the game itself. Some argue that the threat of ejection for targeting has made players overly cautious, leading to a decrease in the physicality and intensity that many fans love about football.
Others counter that the rule has made the game safer and that player safety should be prioritized over entertainment value.
Effectiveness in Enhancing Player Safety
Finally, there is debate over whether the targeting rule actually increases player safety. While the rule has undoubtedly led to a decrease in high hits, some argue that it has not significantly reduced the overall rate of concussions and other head injuries.
Critics suggest that more comprehensive measures, such as improved equipment and stricter concussion protocols, are needed to truly enhance player safety. Despite these controversies, the targeting rule remains a key part of football at both the college and professional levels.
As we continue to learn more about the long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries, it’s likely that the rule will continue to evolve and be a subject of debate.
The Consequences of Targeting
The consequences of targeting in football are severe, reflecting the seriousness with which the sport’s governing bodies view this infraction. The penalties are designed to deter players from making dangerous hits and to underscore the commitment to player safety.
Penalties
In both college football and the NFL, a player flagged for targeting is penalized 15 yards. This can have a significant impact on the game, especially if the penalty occurs at a crucial moment.
Ejections and Suspensions
Beyond the immediate penalty, the consequences of targeting can be even more severe. In college football, a player flagged for targeting is immediately ejected from the game.
If the infraction occurs in the second half of a game, the player is also suspended for the first half of the next game.
In the NFL, players are not automatically ejected for targeting, but may later be fined or suspended depending on the severity of the hit.
Long-Term Effects
Beyond the immediate penalties, targeting can have long-term effects on players’ careers. Repeated infractions can lead to a reputation for dirty play, which can impact a player’s draft prospects or their standing with their team.
Additionally, players who are frequently penalized for targeting may face increased scrutiny from officials, leading to more penalties and ejections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Constitutes a Targeting Penalty in Football?
A targeting penalty is called when a player strikes an opponent above the shoulders or leads with the crown of the helmet to initiate contact. This can occur in a variety of situations, but it’s often associated with hits on defenseless players.
What Is the Penalty for Targeting?
A player flagged for targeting is penalized 15 yards. In college football, the player is also immediately ejected from the game. If the infraction occurs in the second half, the player is suspended for the first half of the next game. In the NFL, players can also be fined or suspended for targeting.
How Has the Targeting Rule Changed Over Time?
Initially, the penalty for targeting was a 15-yard penalty. In 2013, the NCAA added a new stipulation: any player who was flagged for targeting would be ejected from the game. The NFL has also made adjustments to its targeting rule, including the possibility of fines or suspensions.
Does Targeting Have to be Helmet-to-Helmet?
No, targeting does not have to be helmet-to-helmet. While many instances of targeting do involve helmet-to-helmet contact, a player can be flagged for targeting if they strike an opponent above the shoulders or lead with the crown of the helmet to initiate contact.
Has a Quarterback Ever Been Called for Targeting?
While it’s less common for quarterbacks to be called for targeting, it is possible. If a quarterback were to lead with his helmet or strike an opponent above the shoulders while attempting to make a block or a tackle after an interception, he could be flagged for targeting.