Targeting is a controversial topic in the sports world, and one that fans have been discussing for years. The rule is designed to protect players, and if one of them makes violent contact with an opponent, he or she can get disqualified or injured.
There are a few different versions of the targeting rule. In the NFL, players use their helmet to make violent contact, while in college football, it is more of a nebulous rule.
The NCAA added the targeting rule to its rules in 2008 in order to cut down on head injuries. As a result, there have been many controversies over its implementation. For example, USC kicker Parker Lewis was ejected for targeting during a kickoff against Stanford.
The NCAA has also made some changes to the rule. One is that it is now possible to have an instant replay review of the call. This allows officials to take a more objective look at targeting fouls. Replay can help eliminate the margin of error. However, officials still need to judge whether the infraction was indeed intentional.
Another big change came in 2022, when the NBA changed the targeting rule to include hits on quarterbacks. This new rule also enables replay officials to stop games in their tracks, if necessary.
It’s not clear how much the change will affect the number of targeting fouls in 2022. It seems the penalty has decreased by about a third since 2008. However, it is unclear how the rule will be applied, or if it will even be implemented in the first place.
Another controversial ruling is the nebulous targeting rule. The rule is nebulous because it is not always clear who was guilty of the infraction. If the infraction was a true target, then the player is subject to a suspension. On the other hand, if the infraction was not a true target, then the player is not penalized.
A few other changes have been made as well, including a new version of the neo-classical smackdown. This is a type of smackdown in which the defender tries to block the quarterback from running the ball. The neo-classical smackdown is considered the most serious type of targeting.
Although the NCAA is not the first to implement a rule stating that a player’s helmet can’t make contact with his or her head, the NCAA has a more strict rule. Unlike the NFL, where a player must lower his or her head to make a tackle, the NCAA rules only require the player to lower his or her head in the right direction.
Several teams have made targeting headlines this season, including the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 2 of the season. Other notable targeting cases have included the Clemson Tigers and the Ole Miss Rebels. Some have questioned the accuracy of the NCAA’s rule, and some have raised questions about the consistency of officials’ judging of the rule.
As with any rule, there are variations that make it confusing to fans. But in the end, the targeting rule is a good idea. Hopefully, the rule will be used to its fullest potential, as a way to ensure the safety of players.
