Interpreting the targeting rules can be tough, even for trained officials. (Ivan Morozov)
From roughly 15 minutes into the 2023 football season, I was convinced of one thing: there was no way in [string of expletives] that I would ever cover targeting in one of my articles. It just seemed so random why some infractions were called, others were overturned, and still others were ignored entirely.
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Why can't the offensive player be called for targeting when they lower their head to initiate contact while running. The first example, it appears the "targeting" was initiated by the runner lowering his head. So, the defensive player is focused on the mid-section of the runner. Said runner lowers his head to "create" targeting. Thank you for your thoughts.
TechHokie13
That's a fantastic question, and one I'd really like the Rules Committee to address at some point.
My best guess is they think the runner should be able to avoid/brace for contact, and it's up to the defender to initiate a safe and legal tackle. In practice, I'm not sure it works out very well, especially as offensive players can absolutely put themselves in an unsafe position with no (by rule) penalty.
VTaimhigh
Enlightening. And, I like your recommended rules changes. Many thanks.
TechHokie13
Thanks for reading! Now if only I could get the Rules Committee to pay attention....
moneal
Now cover what the heck is roughing the passer
TechHokie13
I'm starting to think nobody read my post-UVA article ?
As always a great and thoughtful article that helps me better understand the game. Just one minor pet peeve - as a Chris, the possessive uses only one 's'. It's "...going along with Chris’ comments...."
See what I did there?? I stuck in the conjunction It's to help show the difference! My 12th grade English teacher would be so proud.
TechHokie13
Far be it from me to tell you how to spell or punctuate your own name, but (and this is apparently still hotly debated) I come down on the side of Strunk & White (The Elements of Style - an excellent resource for any aspiring writers out there): the only names where I'll omit the 2nd "s" are ancient names ("Jesus' robe" , for example).
Kind of a fitting parallel for an officiating article, as reasonable minds will differ. ?
Thanks for reading despite my grammatical heresy, glad you found it useful and enjoyable!
Exit8Hokie
Well that is certainly fitting, as my wife would agree that I am ancient!
RhinoVT
Once more a fantastic article. Thanks! How about taking on basketball officiating?
TechHokie13
You'll know I've been kidnapped and replaced by an imposter if I start giving basketball officiating takes. As far as I'm concerned, it's guesswork and magic.
I dabbled a bit in wrestling officiating, so that's probably the winter sport I'd pick up if I got back into anything this time of year.
HokieJB
Just really good content (and humor), Justin! Your column is a much-appreciated addition to an excellent Tech Sideline. You are a natural born writer.
TechHokie13
Thanks so much for reading and the kind words! For whoever this Justin guy is, at least ?
HokieJB
Oops! Embarrassing. Sorry, Tristan. You write well also.
hokiepro
Nobody should be suspended for more than the finish of a half UNLESS it’s a flagrant 2 type (in Basketball terms) sort of how you’re pointing out
TechHokie13
Yep, being suspended for slightly sloppy tackling technique (especially when the exact same motion which happens to make contact 3 inches down the helmet is perfectly legal) is completely bonkers to me.
hokiepro
Merry frickin’ Christmas ? lol ? j/k. This was a great one. Most of your stuff this year was great. As ACC confirmed finally…they did miss that hold call on J Lane’s long TD at UVA. Was glad to at least see the ACC can admit a call was wrong. There’s a lot of technical teaching and wording I don’t agree with but it’s good to know it’s sometimes how rules are written and techniques trained that I don’t like when the official is actually just doing what he’s trained. I think consistency is the major issue. How many officials go “Letter of the law” vs “let them play” common sense stuff
TechHokie13
Thanks! I'm sure the gift everyone was hoping for this year was a targeting article - call me Santa Calls ? I missed that from the ACC, where/when did they mention the UVA hold call?
Consistency is 100% the biggest challenge for us as officials. It doesn't matter much if one official or crew gets it right most of the time if every other crew in the league is doing something different. We spend a ton of time in film review and training to try to standardize our calls across the board.
GoneFishin Hokie
Gotta agree about the 6" diameter. If it were "radius", a 1-foot circle would encompass most of the helmet.
HokieAllMyLife
I'm good with all that, but when will they start looking at runners initiating contact with the crown of THEIR helmet?
TechHokie13
Baby steps ?
I do wish more emphasis was put on *all* players to participate safely, but asking the Rules Committee to shift off defensive players is evidently just too darn much.
TomTurkey
Merry Christmas and thanks for a(nother) well thought out article. One major consideration I'd like to see, and won't occur, is the defensive player's penalty match the crime. Notably, if true concussion protocol ensues, the defensive player should sit out for the same period of time. Quid pro quo! Otherwise, I agree with you; 2nd instance is an ejection for the duration of the game, i.e., unsportsmanlike conduct.
TechHokie13
Don't think for one second a coach like Harbaugh wouldn't take advantage of that with fake injuries or switching players/jerseys or something bonkers ?
Merry Christmas, and thanks for reading!
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