The NCAA is making waves in college football with a proposed change to the targeting penalty rule. This new plan, introduced by the Division I Football Rules Subcommittee, aims to create a more lenient penalty structure for targeting calls.
Currently, if a player is ejected for targeting in the second half of a game, they must sit out the first half of the next game. The new proposal would allow a player ejected for the first targeting offense to return for their next game, regardless of when the ejection occurred. However, if they receive a second targeting call during the same season, the existing rule would still apply.
A.J. Edds, who leads the subcommittee, explains that this change strikes a balance between player safety and appropriate penalties. It’s a step toward more progressive measures in college football. “We’ll be closely monitoring this adjustment,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of proper coaching and education for players.
Additional context is provided by recent statistics showing that targeting calls in college football have increased over the years. Reports indicate a rise in calls from 2014 to 2021, sparking debates about player safety versus the flow of the game.
Moreover, since the 2022 season, conferences have been allowed to appeal targeting calls. If a conference believes a call was mistaken, they can review the video, potentially allowing a player to avoid the first-half suspension in the next game.
This proposal is still awaiting approval from the FBS and FCS Oversight Committees, with meetings scheduled for late March. The adjustments reflect evolving views on how to maintain safety without harsh penalties, keeping the game both competitive and fair.
As these discussions unfold, opinions on social media show a mix of support and skepticism. Some fans applaud the move, praising efforts to prioritize player safety while others worry it could lessen the significance of the rule itself.
The outcome of this proposed change could reshape how targeting is handled in college football, leading to ongoing debates about penalties, safety, and the nature of the game.
For more details on this proposal, you can check the NCAA’s announcement here.
