The NCAA’s new targeting rules, established for 2013, were a disaster. Defenders were automatically ejected and penalized 15 yards for hitting offensive players about the head and shoulders -- but the ejection could be overturned upon review, while the penalty stood, even if the player was found to have not actually targeted.
SEC explains 2014’s new college football helmet targeting rules
It was dumb, everyone hated it, and it’s changing now.
SEC coordinator of officials Steve Shaw explained the rule’s 2014 tweak at SEC Media Days.
Changes to the targeting rule for 2014 pic.twitter.com/kiRC0tWxT4
— Derek (@DerekAggie06) July 16, 2014 No more 15-yard penalty for a non-penalty, as the NCAA proposed earlier in the year.
OK so basically if the targeting is overturned, the team isn't penalized 15 yards. Logically sound!
— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) July 16, 2014 This is at least an improvement. College football has to get head injuries under control, but poorly conceived and implemented rules don’t really help anybody.
"When the cops pull you over for speeding they can overturn the ticket. This year they won't take $240 from you either." - SEC Rulez
— Hypno-Toad (@HypnoToad03) July 16, 2014 But don't worry! There's already a new rule for you to get mad about all season long!
Shaw - We have a strike zone for hitting quarterbacks. We think that will change player behavior when hitting the QB
— Derek (@DerekAggie06) July 16, 2014 New rule changes to low hits on a passer. Damn you Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/c4IeUKDWFY
— Derek (@DerekAggie06) July 16, 2014 In other excitement:
The SEC is going to try using an 8th official, immediately clarifies it's NOT about speeding up the game. #HailSaban pic.twitter.com/GesnHZ6xou
— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) July 16, 2014 Shaw on referees spotting the ball - We're not going to walk. We're not going to sprint. We're calling it a crisp jog
— Derek (@DerekAggie06) July 16, 2014 Shaw - Plays that are now reviewable. I'm assuming they forgot to type "horse collar" pic.twitter.com/uBZMHwGaDC
— Derek (@DerekAggie06) July 16, 2014 See More:
