The Penalty
Definition
Consequence
Blocking Below the Waist
When a player hits or blocks an opponent below the waist
15 yards
Delay of Game
When the ball is not snapped before the play clock expires
5 yards
Encroachment
When a player goes past the line of scrimmage and hits someone before the ball is snapped
5 yards
Face Masking
When a player grabs another player's facemask
5 (unintentional) or15 (intentional) yards and an automatic first down
False Start
When a player goes past the line of scrimmage without touching someone before the ball is snapped.
5 yards
Forward Lateral
When an offensive player makes a forward pass after crossing the line of scrimmage
10 yards
Holding
When a player uses his hands to grab onto an opponent
10 yards
Illegal Man Downfield
When an ineligible receiver catches the ball
10 yards
Illegal Motion
When two or more offensive players are moving at the same time before the snap.
5 yards
Illegal Procedure
When there are less than 7 players on the line of scrimmage or the receiver takes more than two steps after a fair catch
10 yards
Illegal Shift
When a player changes position or direction illegally
5 yards
Illegal Use of Hands or Feet
When a player uses his hands or feet in unnecessary ways
10 yards
Offensive Interference
When an offensive player interferes with a defensive player who is trying to catch the ball
15 yards
Pass Interference
When a defensive player interferes with the offensive player who is trying to catch the ball
ball is placed at the place at the spot of the foul and automatic first down
Personal Foul
When a player intentionally commits a serious penalty
15 yards
Spearing
When a player tackles another player with their helmet.
15 yards
Tripping
When a player uses his legs to knock down an opponent
10 yards
Unnecessary Roughness
When a player hits or makes contact with a player after the ball is out of play
15 yards
