Comments on the 2014 football rules changes

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Reffing Rev.

How do I determine intent?

The same way you determine other things when certain language is used or other illegal acts that would be influenced by intent. If the hit is to punish someone rather than make a tackle, I would think that would be more obvious to an official. I also think that the NF does not want to penalize all head contact, but only when it is clear the hit was deliberate under this definition. I am sure we can still call spearing and other safety issues that are not associated with intent, but targeting will be subjected to that kind of action. In other words a player that ducks to be ready for contact and gets hit in the head as a result is probably going to not be encouraged for us to call a foul (just a guess at this point). We will just have to see how it is interpreted.

Peace

[HLin NC]

I have a clip we were reviewing last night on a sideline hit from a game last season. One of the group asked if we thought that the hit we observed would be considered targeting. I will try to upload to a host and link later this evening.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

I have a clip we were reviewing last night on a sideline hit from a game last season. One of the group asked if we thought that the hit we observed would be considered targeting. I will try to upload to a host and link later this evening.

There are circumstances where the view on film carries a much clearer picture of what may have occurred than may be seen from the angle of
on-field officials, but there are also circumstances where the view, from the on-field official clearly observes details not visible from a camera angle.

From the descriptions available, thus far, it appears "targeting" is going to be a purely judgment call, and as such, "One size will NEVER fit all".

[HLin NC]

The play appears to be a late hit out of bounds that was not flagged. B6 appears to take aim and lower his right shoulder to strike A20 at the head.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

The play appears to be a late hit out of bounds that was not flagged. B6 appears to take aim and lower his right shoulder to strike A20 at the head.

The trailing side official appears to be RIGHT ON TOP of the play in position to observe the contact from a much closer vantage than the film provides, what makes you doubt his decision?

[JRutledge]

If he missed something, he is right there.

Peace

[HLin NC]

Being RIGHT ON TOP of the play doesn't mean you don't/can't miss something.
A player was down and
out of bounds when B player hit him and it was avoidable.

I've got another from same field, different game where the LJ flags a hold to spring the runner but then misses the spearing on the runner after he's down. He was right on top of it too.