What is targeting, and what is the penalty at U14 and below?

No player may target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of an opponent with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. The foul needs at least one indicator of targeting, and when in question, it is a foul. Indicators include (but are not limited to):

1. Launch: leaving the feet to attack an opponent with an upward and forward thrust of the body, making forcible contact in the head or neck area.
2. Crouch and thrust: a crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack the head or neck area, even with one or both feet still on the ground.
3. Leading with the helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack the head or neck area.
4. Lowering the head before attacking by initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.

Penalty: L25 and the player is disqualified from the game. At levels U14 and below the player receives a warning for a first offence.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 7, Section 2, Article 6.