NCAA committee to discuss modifying targeting rule, other changes
The NCAA Football Rules Committee will discuss health and safety and potential changes to the instant replay/targeting rule when it meets Feb. 9–11, the NCAA announced Thursday.
The committee will discuss possible changes to the rule, which was changed in 2014 to let instant-replay officials confirm or overturn targeting calls made by on-field officials. A targeting foul results in an automatic ejection for the player and a 15-yard penalty.
Committee members will potentially grant the instant-replay officials added judgmental flexibility on targeting fouls, and also give them the power to stop the game if they spot a targeting foul that the on-field crew missed.
Also under review will be the experimental rule allowing medical spotters in the press box. That rule, after being tested in the Big Ten and SEC this past season, will be up for permanent approval. The spotter’s role is to look out for player injuries that on-field crew and team personnel might miss, in the interest of player safety. The medical observer has the ability to contact referees and stop the game on players’ behalf.
