Targeting Rule Note 2

[swires]

In the targeting rule under Note 2, it lists the types of hits to a defenseless player. Does the penalty apply to all of the types of hits listed or is the penalty inforced only if player A makes head or neck contact with player B? Also is there an exception if the quarterback is attempting to make a tackle after a possession change?

A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass.
A receiver attempting to catch a pass, or one who has completed a catch and
has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a ball carrier.
A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the
return.
A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick.
A player on the ground.
A player obviously out of the play.
A player who receives a blindside
block.
A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward
progress has been stopped.
A quarterback any time after a change of possession.

 

[westexasflats]

Some are completely dumb rules

 

[Legacy Zebra]

The term "targeting" means one of 2 things. 1) A player using the crown of his helmet to initiate contact with an opponent, or 2) aiming for and initiating contact with the head or neck area of a defenseless player. It is not targeting to hit any of those players listed, as long as you make contact with something other than the crown of your helmet and do not hit your opponent's head or neck. Example: QB throws an interception and during the return, as he is chasing down the ball carrier, a blocker leads with a forearm and hits the QB in the shoulder. This is not a foul. He was still involved in the play, the blocker did not use the crown of his helmet to initiate contact, and the contact was not to the head or neck of the defenseless player (the QB).

It should be noted however that hitting players in some of those situations is still a foul, but not a targeting foul. For example, "A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick." Even if you don't make contact with the head or neck, making contact with a player attempting to catch a kick is still Kick Catch Interference. Likewise, contacting an opponent who is obviously out of the play is still a personal foul, however if you hit an opponent who is out of the play and make contact with the head or neck, it is no longer just a 15 yard PF, it is now considered targeting and comes with an ejection.

 

[swires]

I appreciate the clarification.