The first is the definition of the "crown of the helmet." Many people have been considering the "crown" to be the singular point at the very tip-top of the helmet. However, this is too restrictive. The committee has clarified that the crown is that portion of the helmet that is above the level of the top of the facemask---that is, the dome that starts at the location analogous to a king's crown and goes to the top. So, a player is liable to be flagged for targeting even if the point of forcible contact is not precisely on the exact top.

The other interpretation has to do with the role of the instant replay official. New this year is a rule that allows the replay official to create a foul if there is "egregious" targeting contact that the officials on the field miss. The committee has clarified that the intent of "egregious" is for the instant replay official to stop the game for review if he has video evidence of a targeting foul that was "clear and obvious and would be confirmed on review."

Player safety continues to be the primary concern of the rules committee. These interpretations are intended to provide guidance and understanding to everyone who cares about college football and the students who play the game.