Spearing Targeting

Targeting
Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW)

A blow to the helmet by two linemen in the free blocking

zone is not necessarily a targeting foul.

REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Taking aim with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders to initiate contact above the
shoulders, which goes beyond making a legal tackle, a legal block or playing the ball, will be pro-
hibited. Applies to both offensive and defensive players.
 Targeting Targeting
Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW)
EXAMPLE: FIST TO THE HEAD EXAMPLE: FOREARM TO THE NECK

Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an
opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm,
hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for
contact against any opponent, including the runner. contact against any opponent, including the runner.

REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012 REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Targeting Targeting
Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) Rule 9-4-3m (NEW)
EXAMPLE: ELBOW TO THE HEAD Illegal Personal Contact

Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an

opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm,
hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for
Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an
contact against any opponent, including the runner. Note
opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm,
that the passer in this play is also a defenseless player.
hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for
Targeting is a 15-yard penalty for illegal personal contact.
contact against any opponent, including the runner.
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Targeting can be called on both Offensive and Defensive players. This also applies to Offensive players
Targeting carrying the ball who lower their heads to spear or target defenders.
Defenseless
Player

This applies to both

Defenseless Offensive and Defensive
Players players. Defenders
hitting offensive players
who are defenseless.
Offensive players hitting Defenseless players.
Remember a defenseless player is a player
who, because of his physical position and
focus on concentration , is especially vulner-
able to injury.