It is very subjective,the punishment ( 2 halves suspension) is too severe and most importantly it’s applied inconsistently.
Also very often it’s Impossible for a defender to avoid it as it is currently defined( leading / striking with helmet / crown not just to head and neck but anywhere on body)
When defenders are ready to strike they usually have to lower head and upper body and can make contact with the helmet( inadvertently), at times to the head and neck if offensive player lowers his head.Football is very fast paced an defenders just cannot avoid those kind of hits.
The only way to avoid it would be to tackle upright with head up, impossible to do.
Referees apply the rule very inconsistent even within the same game.
Bottom line, if the rule was applied consistently most games would have 6-10 targeting calls and ejections.
Also very often it’s Impossible for a defender to avoid it as it is currently defined( leading / striking with helmet / crown not just to head and neck but anywhere on body)
When defenders are ready to strike they usually have to lower head and upper body and can make contact with the helmet( inadvertently), at times to the head and neck if offensive player lowers his head.Football is very fast paced an defenders just cannot avoid those kind of hits.
The only way to avoid it would be to tackle upright with head up, impossible to do.
Referees apply the rule very inconsistent even within the same game.
Bottom line, if the rule was applied consistently most games would have 6-10 targeting calls and ejections.