Why is a player described as defenseless important in football rules?

A player described as defenseless is important in football rules because their inability to protect themselves significantly increases the risk of injury during a play. This designation helps officials and players understand that these vulnerable players should be given special consideration to ensure their safety. The rules surrounding defenseless players aim to minimize the chances of serious injury by penalizing hits that target players who are clearly not in a position to defend themselves.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately capture the essence of why defenseless player rules exist. Players with the ball are often in a position to protect themselves, while those who cannot score points or are the only players on the field are irrelevant to the discussion about player safety and protection during the game.