College football new rule: Automatic ejection for targeting above shoulders

It's going to be very interesting to see how they interpret 'intent'.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 06:09 PM ET  03.07 by Jesus H Manziel

It's going to be very interesting to see how they interpret 'intent'.

If a bunch of butthurt college football fans whine about it enough, that makes it intent.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 05:42 PM ET  03.07 by TRUTH3.0

In a related story..the NCCA is looking to ban blocking and tackling in football

This.....

Too many times we have seen the tackler go for the tackle, the runner ducks their head and it ends up being helmet to helmet and the defender gets a flag...wasn't intentional at all, just a normal football play....

This is not a good rule...however, if there is a way to determine a player IS intentional and trying to hurt someone, it would be nice to be able to punish more than just a 15 yard penalty

And, IMO, the players need to learn how to keep their helmets on better. Seen too many penalties called just because a helmet comes off. Perhaps make the player sit out until the next first down or next series?

Here's my take: the evidence is piling up that concussions and repeated head injuries equate to TBI and permanent neurological damage to the brain. When we consider the hundreds of thousands of young people already playing football from Pop Warner through college, doesn't it make more sense for governing bodies like the NFHS and NCAA to take a proactive rather than reactive stance where player safety is concerned? I personally think it's a needed rule and one that's been long overdue.

And if you've got players out on the field who are head-hunting, then I attribute that conduct to poor if not criminal coaching techniques. Granted, there are offensive players who habitually duck their heads at the point of collision, and so induce their opponent to do the same. But that again is poor technique on both sides of the ball and must stop.

The NCAA was originally formed to enforce player safety in the game of football. I agree it's a draconian rule, but if getting ejected from a game for excessive violence doesn't get the attention of the players and coaches, then what's it going to take? Death? Permanent injury? Lawsuits?

It's going to be very interesting to see how they interpret 'intent'.

damn spinny thing...

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 06:50 PM ET  03.07 by GrandTheftHarley

Here's my take: the evidence is piling up that concussions and repeated head injuries equate to TBI and permanent neurological damage to the brain. When we consider the hundreds of thousands of young people already playing football from Pop Warner through college, doesn't it make more sense for governing bodies like the NFHS and NCAA to take a proactive rather than reactive stance where player safety is concerned? I personally think it's a needed rule and one that's been long overdue.And if you've got players out on the field who are head-hunting, then I attribute that conduct to poor if not criminal coaching techniques. Granted, there are offensive players who habitually duck their heads at the point of collision, and so induce their opponent to do the same. But that again is poor technique on both sides of the ball and must stop. The NCAA was originally formed to enforce player safety in the game of football. I agree it's a draconian rule, but if getting ejected from a game for excessive violence doesn't get the attention of the players and coaches, then what's it going to take? Death? Permanent injury? Lawsuits?

Agree.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 06:52 PM ET  03.07 by Jesus H Manziel

It's going to be very interesting to see how they interpret 'intent'.

Agree.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 06:53 PM ET  03.07 by Jesus H Manziel

damn spinny thing...

Agree.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 06:33 PM ET  03.07 by BackRoads

This.....Too many times we have seen the tackler go for the tackle, the runner ducks their head and it ends up being helmet to helmet and the defender gets a flag...wasn't intentional at all, just a normal football play....This is not a good rule...however, if there is a way to determine a player IS intentional and trying to hurt someone, it would be nice to be able to punish more than just a 15 yard penalty

Default, very good comment!!! I especially like the, "if there is a way to determine a player IS intentional and trying to hurt someone, it would be nice to be able to punish more than just a 15 yard penalty" part!!!!

Subjective rules are either unenforceable or a potential bucket of boiling @rs3 but it's good to see that they are trying to do something to curtail the possibility of head trauma.

I say take it a step further,, "He who lives by the sword, shall die by the sword".

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 06:52 PM ET  03.07 by Jesus H Manziel

It's going to be very interesting to see how they interpret 'intent'.

This is the problem I have with this rule. The officials have always had the ability to eject a player if he thought he was intending to hurt another player. It'd be better handled as a "point of emphasis." Now, it's going to be viewed by some officials as "if the heads collide, out goes the defender."

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 06:35 PM ET  03.07 by BackRoads

And, IMO, the players need to learn how to keep their helmets on better. Seen too many penalties called just because a helmet comes off. Perhaps make the player sit out until the next first down or next series?

D2, they initiated the rule in 2012 that a player who loses his helment has to sit out the next play. Noticed that fewer players lost their helments than in prior years as a result.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 07:03 PM ET  03.07 by Dr. B-f-G

Agree.

You're sure agreeable tonight, Dr. Must have been to happy hour.

QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 11:03 PM ET  03.07 by FrogFan

You're sure agreeable tonight, Dr. Must have been to happy hour.

and way longer than an hour

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 06:33 PM ET  03.07 by BackRoads

This.....Too many times we have seen the tackler go for the tackle, the runner ducks their head and it ends up being helmet to helmet and the defender gets a flag...wasn't intentional at all, just a normal football play....This is not a good rule...however, if there is a way to determine a player IS intentional and trying to hurt someone, it would be nice to be able to punish more than just a 15 yard penalty

This would be a good place to use the instant replay. These plays happen too fast most of the time and it takes more than a snap judgement call. Too much riding on a bad call or no call at all. Only time IP should be used for penalties

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 11:02 PM ET  03.07 by FrogFan

D2, they initiated the rule in 2012 that a player who loses his helment has to sit out the next play. Noticed that fewer players lost their helments than in prior years as a result.

Yes, but one play doesn't really hurt unless it's the QB...make it mean something.

When I played, those helmets were very difficult to get on and off...now they want to make sure you see who they are. IMO