NCAA Proposes Rule Changes to Targeting Penalties and Uniform Compliance

The NCAA Division I Football Rules Subcommittee has introduced a one-year trial rule aimed at modifying the penalty structure for targeting calls in college football. Announced on Thursday, the proposal allows players disqualified for targeting for the first time during a season to participate in their team's next game, regardless of when the penalty occurred. Currently, players ejected for targeting in the second half must sit out the first half of the following game. The existing rule remains in effect for players who receive a second targeting call within the same season, requiring them to miss the first half of the next game if the second infraction occurs in the second half.

NCAA subcommittee proposes one-year trial rule change to college football targeting penaltyESPNNCAA proposes rule change to address college football’s biggest issueThe Sporting News

The proposal is pending approval from the FBS and FCS Oversight Committees, with reviews scheduled for March 19 and March 23, respectively. A.J. Edds, chair of the rules subcommittee, emphasized the importance of balancing player safety with appropriate penalties, stating, “This continues the evolution of our targeting rule and balances the important safety impact with an appropriate penalty structure.”

NCAA subcommittee proposes one-year trial rule change to college football targeting penalty

Targeting penalties have shown a gradual decline since 2020, decreasing from approximately one in every four games to about one in every seven games last season, according to NCAA coordinator of officials Steve Shaw. This trend is part of a broader effort to enhance player safety, as the NCAA reported its lowest three-year average concussion rate since tracking began. The proposed rule aims to further assess whether easing penalties for first-time offenders alters player behavior regarding targeting.

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In addition to targeting rule changes, the NCAA is also addressing uniform compliance. The proposed amendment mandates that players wear leg coverings from the top of their shoes to the bottom of their pants, with all players required to don the same style and color during games. Non-compliance would result in players being removed from the game for at least one play, with subsequent offenses leading to a 5-yard penalty and escalating to a 15-yard penalty after multiple infractions. Edds remarked, “The current look of the uniform is clearly not meeting the expectations of the college football community,” highlighting the need for consistent enforcement across Division I football.

NCAA proposes rule change to address college football’s biggest issue

The NCAA's proposed changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance player safety while addressing uniform standards. Edds noted that these adjustments require collaboration among administrators, coaches, and officials to ensure proper communication and compliance. The NCAA's initiatives come amid broader discussions in college sports, including issues related to name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations.

NCAA proposes rule change to address college football’s biggest issue

The proposed rule changes will be reviewed by the FBS and FCS Oversight Committees in March, with the outcomes determining whether these amendments will be implemented for the upcoming season. The NCAA aims to monitor the impact of these changes on player behavior and safety in college football.

NCAA subcommittee proposes one-year trial rule change to college football targeting penalty