What exactly is prohibited against a defenseless player? Is it only targeting? If so, then why bother defining defenseless player since targeting is a foul anyway? Slight confused here. Thanks.
No. Defenseless player fouls and targeting fouls are two different issues although targeting can occur on a defenseless player. While the definition is new, the term "defenseless" was used in the case book as recently as last year. This year, the case book tells us that contact against a defenseless player is at least unnecessary roughness and gives us 14 examples of a defenseless player.
Defenseless Player
*9.4.3 COMMENT:
Is there suggested guidance or rules coverage on a "defenseless player" who should be protected from
unnecessary roughness? Yes, defenseless players are especially vulnerable to potential injury. Game officials must diligently observe all action and watch for contact against players who are deemed defenseless. Examples include, but are not limited to:
(a) A quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage who has handed or pitched the ball to a teammate, and then makes no attempt to participate further in the play;
(b) A kicker who is in the act of kicking the ball, or who has not had a reasonable amount of time to regain his balance after the kick;
(c) A passer who is in the act of throwing the ball, or who has not had a reasonable length of time to participate in the play again after releasing the ball;
(d) A pass receiver whose concentration is on the ball and the contact by the defender is unrelated to attempting to catch the ball;
(e) A pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when he has missed the pass or feels he can no longer catch the pass;
(f) A kick returner attempting to catch a kick;
(g) A kick receiver who is immediately contacted after touching the ball;
(h) A player on the ground;
(i) Any player who has relaxed once the ball has become dead;
(j) A player who receives a blind-side block;
(k) A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped; and
(l) Any player who is obviously out of the play.
The game official must draw distinction between contact necessary to make a legal block or tackle, and that which targets defenseless players. (2-32-16; 9-4-3i(3))