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Targeting is defined in the new rules as "intentionally taking aim at the head/neck of an opponent for the purpose of making violent contact." so in theory it can happen anywhere on the field but most of the time it is committed by a player in their defensive zone. The contact does not have to initiate at the head to be targeting. If a body check slides up to the head or neck it is considered targeting. The rules are very clear. Targeting was suppose to be a point of emphasis this year, but it does not appear that has happened.
Just video from a recent game where the defensive player hit a player that jumped into the air trying to catch a high pass (3 minute and possible ejection - defenseless player), with a cross check (1 minute), late (the ball was long gone long before contact was made - 1 minute), directly in the neck (3 minute and possible ejection - targeting). One ref hesitated and then threw a late flag for a one minute penalty (the other ref did not even throw a flag)... AND here is the kicker... the player and coach both complained because they thought it was a legal hit.
AND here is the kicker... the player and coach both complained because they thought it was a legal hit.
The only thing I absolutely expect from lacrosse officials anymore is that they keep the health and safety of the players as a top priority. They can miss all sorts of calls but if someone gets hit in the head or neck or there is a hit on a defenseless player, I expect them to call it. Those plays are not difficult to see and it is very easy to make those calls. They do not require agreeing opinions, they are simple straight forward facts.
I always tell lacrosse officials in DE thank you and good job when i see them. Fans truly know very little of rules and whine about everything. God bless the refs!!!!
Never that clean cut. D player hit a Attack which lowers his head into the contract - was that a illegal hit? It was on the attack player really?
I think you are basically saying ON the clear as day plays make the call and that I agree with.
I actually think it is pretty clean cut. If the player making the hit starts high or raises his arms during the process of the hit it should be called. It is easy to see that live and at speed. Watch some of these plays in slow motion and you will see how easy the call is if you watch the hands of the player making the hit. Also, I am no homer. I want the call made on any player that makes such a hit regardless of team, time of the game, or position on the field because it keeps everyone safer. This is about safety, nothing else. D-poles would adjust if the call was made on a regular basis and yes I understand it might make their life more difficult but we are talking about the long term health of the players here.
Short answer is if you hit someone in the head you hit them in the head. The reality is that they pretty much don’t call any of these hits now so calling something/anything would be an improvement. I would like to see everything called. If you have seen someone with CTE or dementia would probably agree. With all the hits I took, I know it’s just a matter of time for me... so I will argue the point as long as I still can.
I guess I don’t understand what you are trying to say. Targeting or a hit on a defenseless player usually ends the play one way or another but most of the time because the player that got hit is laying on the ground hurt. If you are describing a stick making contact with the neck or head in a non violent manner that is not targeting so it would only be a one minute penalty. Either way both would include a slow whistle so play doesn’t stop right away.
Also please keep in mind there is nothing in the rules that eliminates responsibility for head contact due to any movement made by the player getting hit. In other words a hit to the head is a hit to the head. Call it.