Targeting is to take aim at an opponent for the purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball. For a targeting foul to be enforced and a player disqualified, all elements of targeting must be confirmed by the replay official. A ruling of "stands" is not an option for replay reviews involving a foul called for targeting.
There are two types of targeting:
• Rule 9-1-3 — Targeting and Makin Forcible Contact with the Crown of the Helmet: No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet.
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Rule 9-1-4 —Targeting and Making Forcible Contact in the Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player: No player shall target and make forceable contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder.
Key points:
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Replay must first determine if the player receiving contact is considered to be defenseless. If defenseless both 9-1-3 and 9-1-4 apply.
The next step is determining whether there is an indicator present. If there is no indicator there is no foul for targeting. Look at body posture of the player initiating the contact.
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Is his head up or does the player lower it?
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What does the player lead with?
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Does he leave his feet, or does he run through the opponent!
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Is he attacking with force?
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Is the contact with the crown of the helmet (9-1-3)?
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The crown of the helmet is the top segment of the helmet defined by a 6-inch radius from the apex of the helmet.
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Is the contact to the head/neck area (9-1-4)?
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There often are two fouls on a play involving targeting. Replay can remove targeting and still have the other foul enforced.
Rule 12-3 — Broadened Authority for Review of Targeting Fouls: The replay official may create a targeting foul when all elements of a targeting foul may be confirmed and the foul is not called by the officials on the field. Such a review may not be initiated by a coach's challenge.
