The non-targeting Targeting call

Rudy · October 31, 2022

4 hours ago, MeanGreenTexan said:

The game is still pretty close?
It would hurt WKU's chances of coming back to win if Oliver was removed from the game?
Hmm, UNT is leaving our conference and WKU is staying?

Would not surprise me in the least.

keith · October 31, 2022

On 10/30/2022 at 12:58 AM, Cr1028 said:

Here's the text associated with the targeting rule. I still cannot understand how this was not confirmed by the replay official under rule 9-1-4 and rule 2-27-14. I highlighted two indicators of targeting under Note 1 below that seem obvious to me. I also emphasized the phrase "When in question, it is a foul" which is a get out of jail free card for the replay official. If they are not sure, it's supposed to default to a foul.

Targeting

ARTICLE 5 a. The replay official shall review all targeting fouls, Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4. For a player to be disqualified and the Targeting foul to be enforced, all elements of a Targeting foul must be confirmed by the Instant Replay Official. There is no option for stands as a part of a Targeting review. If any element of Targeting cannot be confirmed, then the Replay Official shall overturn the targeting foul.

Targeting elements include:

Rule 9-1-3:

(a) A player takes aim at an opponent for the purposes of attacking with forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.

(b) An indicator of targeting is present.
Rule 9-1-4:

(a) A defenseless opponent (Rule 2-27-14).
(b) A player takes aim at a defenseless opponent for the purposes of attacking with forcible contact to the head or neck area. (c) An indicator of targeting is present.

b. The replay official may create a targeting foul from the booth when all elements of targeting can 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.

Targeting and Making Forcible Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player
ARTICLE 4. No player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent (See Note 2 below) with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul (Rules 2-27-14 and 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-4-I-VI)

Note 1: “Targeting” means that a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball. Some indicators of targeting include but are not limited to:

Launch. A player leaving their feet to attack an opponent by an upward and forward thrust of the body to make forcible contact in the head or neck area.
A crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area, even though one or both feet are still on the ground.
Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area.
Lowering the head before attacking by initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.

Note 2: Defenseless player (Rule 2-27-14). When in question, a player is defenseless. Examples of defenseless players include but are not limited to:

A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass. This includes an offensive player in a passing posture with focus downfield.
A receiver attempting to catch a forward pass or in position to receive a backward pass, or one who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.
A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the return.
A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.
A player on the ground.
A player obviously out of the play.
A player who receives a blind-side block
A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped.
A quarterback any time after a change of possession
A ball carrier who has obviously given themselves up and is sliding feet-first.