Targeting and Making Forcible Contact With the Crown of the Helmet
ARTICLE 3.No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of their helmet. The crown of the helmet is the top segment of the helmet; namely, the circular area defined by a 6-inch radius from the apex (top) of the helmet. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul. (Rule 9-6)
Approved Ruling 9-1-3 I. Passer A12 inside the tackle box is looking for an open Before or just as he releases the ball, A12 is hit from the side at the ribs, thigh or knee by B79, who dives forward and leads with the crown (top) of his helmet. This occurs in the (a) first half, (b) second half. RULING: In both (a) and (b) foul by B79 for targeting his opponent and initiating contact with the top of his helmet. 15 yards, first down. B79 is automatically disqualified for the remainder of the game. There is no carry-over disqualification unless this is the player's second or subsequent targeting foul of the season.
Approved Ruling 9-1-3 II. Player number 21 for the home team is disqualified late in the 3rd quarter for targeting with the crown of the helmet. This was number 21’s (a) second targeting foul of the season; (b) third targeting foul in the season. RULING: In both (a) and (b) enforce the 15-yard penalty for targeting and number 21 is disqualified. That player may remain in the team area for the balance of the game. (a) If a player receives a second targeting foul within the same season, in addition to being disqualified for that game, the player will be disqualified for the first half of that team's nest scheduled game. (b) If a player receives a third targeting foul within the same season, in addition to being disqualified for that game, the player will receive a one-game suspension in that team's nest scheduled game. While serving this suspension, this player may not be in the team area nor in the playing enclosure. Note: The second or subsequent targeting foul may be appealed to the national coordinator for video review.
PENALTY—[ARTICLE 3 and ARTICLE 4]—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules.
As an experimental rule for 2026. For a player’s first targeting foul in a season, disqualification for the remainder of the game with no carryover disqualification (See Rule 2-27-12)
If a player receives a second Targeting foul within the same season, disqualification for the remainder of the game and the first half of the team’s next scheduled game within that season including post-season games.
If a player receives a third or subsequent Targeting foul within the same season, disqualification for the remainder of the game and that player will receive an automatic one-game suspension in their team’s next scheduled game of that season including post-season games.
There is no targeting carryover disqualification to the following season.
When the Instant Replay Official overturns the disqualification:
If the targeting foul is not in conjunction with another personal foul by the same player, the 15-yard penalty for targeting is not enforced. If the player commits another personal foul in conjunction with the targeting foul, the 15-yard penalty for that personal foul is enforced according to rule.
For games in which Instant Replay is used:
If a player receives a second and/or subsequent upheld targeting foul within the same season, the conference has the option to consult the national coordinator of football officials who would then facilitate a video review. Based on the review, if and only if the national coordinator concludes that it is clearly obvious the player should not have been disqualified on the first, second or any subsequent targeting foul, the carryover suspension will be vacated. If the national coordinator supports the disqualification, the suspension for the next game will remain.
For games in which Instant Replay is not used:
If a player is disqualified in the first half, at the option of the conference or by pre-game mutual agreement of the teams in inter-conference games, during the intermission between halves the Referee will be provided a video of the play in question for their review in the officials’ private secure location. The Referee will review the video to determine whether the disqualification is overturned. The decision of the Referee is final.
Note: The video source and the location of the review will be determined prior to the game through mutual agreement of the teams and the Referee.
If a player receives a second and/or subsequent upheld targeting foul within the same season, the conference has the option to consult the national coordinator of football officials who would then facilitate a video review. Based on the review, if and only if the national coordinator concludes that it is clearly obvious the player should not have been disqualified on the first, second or any subsequent targeting foul, the carryover suspension will be vacated. If the national coordinator supports the disqualification, the suspension for the next game will remain.
