Did you ever wonder if the targeting penalty in football is really necessary? It turns out that it is not only necessary, it is really important. A study was just published in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. 538 games with 68,670 plays were reviewed, during which 213 concussions occurred (15 during plays where targeting was called and 198 on other plays) and 141 targeting penalties were called. In the non-targeting plays, the rate of concussion was 2.9 concussions per 1000 plays. The risk of concussion during targeting plays was 36.9 times greater than that for all other plays. The risk of concussion during targeting plays upheld was 49.0 times greater than that for all other plays. Wow! Coaches, please emphasize tackling technique and strongly discourage targeting. Players, targeting is not a cool show of strength. #football #sports #concussion #targeting #sportsmedicine #sportsdoc