Billy Napier addresses targeting rule, other NCAA changes to improve player safety

This offseason, the NCAA voted to implement a number of new rules and regulations to improve the game and player safety heading into the 2022 season.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier weighed in on the changes this week. He believes the changes were thought-out and generally a positive for the game.

“All these things, I think, are good for the game,” Napier said. “I think, obviously, player safety being at the core of most of them and then certainly a level of integrity relative to the feigning the injuries and all that, so. The only issue I see, the one area I think is pretty significant is the perimeter cut blocks. All these perimeter plays that are essentially running plays on the perimeter where you have to block, the ability to cut has been a factor in some of those. So, it’s just how you coach those.

“Our system, for the most part, we’re going to be able to continue to do what we do. They’re all well-thought-out decisions that improve the quality of the game and safety of the game.”

The NCAA made headlines for adding an appeals process for targeting and attempting to curb fake injuries. However, in a move that’s more significant to coaching, they also banned all below-the-waist blocking outside the tackle box. Players who are not linemen or “stationary backs” can no longer throw cut blocks. The rules committee provided data that showed the new rule could significantly reduce knee injuries.

NCAA implements new measures ahead of 2022 season

The NCAA is cracking down on some controversial rules. In the offseason, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved changes to make the targeting rule more accurate, and address instances of teams appearing to fake injuries.

First, the NCAA created an appeal process for games where a targeting foul occurs in the second half.

“In games that have instant replay, when a targeting foul occurs in the second half, the carryover penalty (of sitting out the first half of that player’s next game) will be eligible for further appeal,” wrote the NCAA. “The process will begin with a conference submitting a request to the NCAA national coordinator of officials, who would review video of the play.”

Reviews can now result in officials overturning their ruling and negating the half-game suspension. During the 2021 season, officials called 99 second-half targeting fouls.

Continuing, the NCAA created a reporting and investigation process for teams purposely faking injuries.

“To address teams that are awarded an injury timeout through deceptive actions, panel members approved a reporting and investigation process,” wrote the NCAA. “Schools and conferences will be able to report questionable scenarios to the national coordinator of officials, who will review and provide feedback to the conference for further action. Any penalties levied would be up to the conference office or school involved.”