In the game of football, penalties happen on both sides of the field, adding a layer of complexity to the sport. This article is here to make things clear and straightforward. We'll break down each penalty in an easy-to-understand way, so you can navigate the rules without the confusion.
Spot Fouls:
In the NFL, the term "spot foul" is often associated with defensive pass interference. Here are some instances where spot fouls can occur:
Defensive Pass Interference: When a defensive player interferes with an eligible receiver's ability to catch a forward pass. The penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul.
Defensive Holding: If a defensive player holds an eligible receiver, the penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul.
Illegal Contact: When a defensive player makes prohibited contact with an eligible receiver beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage, the penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul.
Keep in mind that while defensive pass interference is a classic example of a spot foul, not all penalties in the NFL follow this principle. Some penalties have fixed yardage regardless of the location on the field.
5 Yard Penalties:
Defensive holding or illegal use of hands (automatic first down): A defensive player holding an opponent or using hands improperly, resulting in an automatic first down for the offense.
Delay of Game on Offense or Defense: Taking too much time before snapping the ball or delaying the game intentionally, leading to a penalty.
Encroachment: A defensive player crossing the line of scrimmage and making contact with an opponent before the snap, leading to a penalty.
Neutral Zone Infraction: Encroachment that doesn't cause contact before the snap, resulting in a penalty.
Offside: Being on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage before or during the snap, resulting in a penalty.
Excessive Time-out(s): Taking more time-outs than allowed, resulting in a penalty.
False Start: False starts are typically characterized by an offensive player, other than the center, moving abruptly, simulating the start of a play, and causing the defensive players to react. This infraction results in a penalty assessed against the offense, leading to a five-yard setback from the line of scrimmage and a replay of the down.
Illegal Formation: An offensive formation must have at least seven players on the line of scrimmage for the play to be legal. If there are fewer than seven players on the line of scrimmage at the snap, it is considered a violation, and the penalty usually results in a five-yard penalty against the offending team, along with a replay of the down. The number of players on the line of scrimmage is a critical element in maintaining a fair and competitive game.
Illegal Shift: This penalty is called when at least two players are in motion simultaneously before the snap and do not come to a complete stop for at least one second before the ball is snapped. The key difference is that in an illegal shift, multiple players are in motion at the same time, whereas illegal motion may involve a single player.
Illegal substitution: Substituting players in an illegal manner. The specific circumstances leading to an illegal substitution can vary, but common scenarios include having too many players on the field, not completing a substitution within the allowed time, or having players enter or exit the field in an improper manner.
Kick Out of Bounds: If the kick travels out of bounds between the goal lines without being touched by a receiving team player, it is considered an illegal kick, and the receiving team is awarded the ball at a designated spot (usually 40 yards from the kicking team's original spot)
More than 11 players on the field at snap for either team: Having too many players on the field, resulting in a penalty.
Running Into Kicker: Running into the kicker occurs when a defensive player makes contact with the kicker after the ball has been kicked, but the contact is deemed unintentional or not severe.
Illegal Participation: This occurs when a player is positioned out of bounds when the ball is snapped. In American football, players must establish themselves inbounds before participating in the play. If a player is out of bounds at the time of the snap and then becomes the first to touch the ball or is the first to touch a pass that was touched by another eligible receiver, it results in an illegal participation penalty.
Offside on the Kicking Team: This penalty occurs when players on the kicking team cross the line of scrimmage before the ball is kicked during a kickoff. The penalty typically results in a five-yard penalty against the kicking team, and the kicking team may be required to re-kick from a more advantageous position for the receiving team.
Illegal Return: An "illegal return" occurs when the team returning a kickoff or punt violates rules, such as blocking in the back, holding, fair catch interference, or stepping out of bounds during the return. Penalties for these infractions impact the team's starting field position on the ensuing offensive drive.
Failure to Report Change of Eligibility: "Failure to Report Change of Eligibility" occurs when a team fails to properly report a change in the eligibility status of a player to the officials or opposing team. In American football, players have specific eligibility rules based on their positions, and any changes in eligibility need to be accurately communicated to ensure fair play.
Excessive Crowd Noise: "Excessive Crowd Noise" is not typically an infraction or penalty in the official rules of American football. However, crowd noise can impact the game, especially for the offensive team trying to communicate effectively. In certain situations, the home team's fans may become so loud that it hinders the opposing team's ability to hear signals and communicate on the field. In such cases, officials may use their discretion to manage the game.
Ineligible Receiver Downfield: This penalty occurs when an offensive player who is not an eligible receiver (typically offensive linemen) crosses the line of scrimmage and is downfield before a forward pass is thrown. The penalty usually results in a five-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage and a loss of down.
Illegal Forward Pass: According to the rules, a forward pass must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, and once the ball has crossed the line, any subsequent forward pass from behind that line is considered illegal. This violation occurs when a team attempts a second forward pass on a single play behind the line of scrimmage, which is against the rules in American football. The penalty typically involves a loss of down and a five-yard penalty from the spot of the pass.
Illegal Touching: When a forward pass is first touched by an eligible receiver who has gone out of bounds and returned inbounds, it results in an illegal touching penalty. The penalty usually results in the loss of down and a five-yard penalty from the previous spot.
Illegal Touching by an Ineligible Receiver: Ineligible receivers, typically offensive linemen, are not allowed to touch or catch a forward pass unless the ball has touched another player (usually a defensive player) first. If an ineligible receiver touches or catches the ball before it has touched an eligible receiver or defensive player, it results in an Illegal Touching penalty. The penalty is usually enforced with a loss of down, and the offense may be penalized five yards from the previous spot.
Twelve (12) men in the huddle: This infraction occurs when a team has more than the allowed number of players in the huddle during the period when the play is not in progress. The rule aims to maintain fairness and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage by having additional players involved in the huddle, which could provide strategic insights or confuse the opposing team.
10 Yard Penalties:
Offensive Pass Interference: (OPI) is a penalty in American football that occurs when an offensive player interferes with a defensive player's ability to make a fair attempt to catch a forward pass. Common actions constituting offensive pass interference include pushing off, blocking downfield before the pass is caught, or preventing the defender from reaching the ball.
Holding, illegal use of hands, arms, or body by offense: Illegally using hands, arms, or the body to restrict an opponent, resulting in a penalty.
Tripping by a member of either team: Tripping by a member of either team is a penalty in American football that occurs when a player uses their leg or foot to trip an opponent. Tripping is considered a dangerous and unsportsmanlike act, and it is penalized to ensure player safety and fair play.
Helping the runner: A player providing assistance to a teammate carrying the ball by pulling not pushing. This is generally considered illegal, as it goes against the rules of fair play resulting in a penalty.
Deliberately batting or punching a loose ball: Intentionally striking a loose ball with the hand or fist to move the ball forward.
Kicking a loose ball: Deliberately kicking a loose ball in American football is typically referred to as "Kicking a Loose Ball" or "Kicking a Fumble." This infraction occurs when a player intentionally kicks the ball while it is on the ground.
Illegal block above the waist: Blocking from behind and above the waist, which is unsafe and can cause injuries; and high, forceful blocks targeting the upper body, are penalized to uphold sportsmanship and player safety on the field
And penalties that results in a combination of a 10-yard penalty and a loss of down:
Intentional grounding of a forward pass (safety if passer is in own end zone): Throwing the ball away to avoid a loss of yardage, will lead to a penalty if there is no eligible receiver in the area. If the foul occurs more than 10 yards behind the line, the play results in a loss of down at the spot of the foul. If a quarterback intentionally grounds the ball while in their own end zone, it results in a safety for the opposing team.
15 yard Penalties:
Chop block: A chop block in American football is an illegal blocking technique where two offensive players collaborate to block a defender high and low simultaneously, posing a risk of severe injuries. Penalties for chop blocks usually lead to a significant yardage loss (typically 15 yards) and a replay of the down, emphasizing the sport's commitment to player safety by discouraging such dangerous blocking methods.
Clipping: This penalty occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent below the waist from behind, and it is considered illegal in American football. Clipping is a dangerous block that can lead to severe leg or knee injuries for the targeted player.
Fair Catch Interference: Fair catch interference is a penalty in American football that occurs when a member of the kicking team interferes with a player attempting to make a fair catch. In this situation, the receiving team signals for a fair catch, indicating that they will not attempt to advance the ball after catching it. Fair catch interference happens if a player from the kicking team makes contact with the receiver before or just after the catch.
Illegal Crackback Block: This penalty occurs when an offensive player delivers a block below the waist against an opponent who is not in a position to see the blocker approaching. The intent of this rule is to enhance player safety by preventing blindside hits that can lead to injuries.
Piling on: Refers to a penalty called when a defensive player unnecessarily jumps on or piles onto a ball carrier who is already down and no longer in play. This action is considered unsafe and can lead to unnecessary roughness.
Roughing the kicker: Roughing the kicker is a more severe penalty than running into the kicker. It occurs when a defensive player makes significant contact with the kicker after the ball has been kicked, and the contact is deemed to be rough or dangerous.
Roughing the passer: Hitting the quarterback after they've thrown the ball. This penalty is designed to protect quarterbacks, who are often vulnerable in the act of passing.
Facemask Penalty: This infraction occurs when a player, typically a defender, grabs and twists the facemask of an opponent during a play. The penalty can result in a 15-yard penalty if deemed unintentional or a 15-yard penalty plus an automatic first down if considered intentional or flagrant.
Unnecessary roughness: Excessive or unnecessary force in tackling or blocking an opponent.
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Behavior that violates the spirit of the game.
Delay of game at the start of either half: Taking too much time to begin a half.
Spearing or Helmet to Helmet Contact: This is an illegal and dangerous tackling technique in American football where a defensive player leads with the crown of their helmet, making direct contact with an opponent's helmet. Spearing is a serious safety concern, as it increases the risk of head and neck injuries for both the tackler and the player being tackled. In the NFL and many other football leagues, spearing is penalized with a 15-yard penalty and, in some cases, can result in ejection from the game.
Flopping: This unsportsmanlike act involves exaggerating or faking contact to deceive officials into penalizing the opposing team. While the specific penalty for simulation can vary depending on the league or level of play, it is often penalized with a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Leaping: Refers to the act of a defensive player jumping over the line of scrimmage to block a field goal or extra point attempt. While leaping is a common and legal technique, there are specific rules governing its execution to ensure player safety. The defender must not land on other players and must make an effort to avoid contact.
Invalid fair catch signal: If a player signals for a fair catch but does not meet the requirements, such as making an invalid or deceptive signal, and then attempts to advance the ball, it may result in a penalty for an "Invalid Fair Catch Signal." The penalty is usually enforced with a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
Leverage: Using a teammate or opponent for leverage to block a kick or punt.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct - Removing Helmet - if a player removes their helmet while on the field of play after a play has concluded, it is considered an unsportsmanlike act.
Taunting: Excessive celebration or taunting the opponent, leading to a penalty.
Captain's Delay: This penalty occurs when the designated team captains fail to appear for the coin toss at the scheduled time. The consequences for this infraction may vary depending on the specific rules of the league or organization. Typically, the penalty results in a loss of yardage or other punitive measures.
15 Yard Penalties and Possible Ejection
Striking opponent with fist: Hitting an opponent with a closed fist results in a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may lead to disqualification.
Kicking or kneeing opponent: Kicking or kneeing an opponent leads to a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may result in disqualification.
Striking opponent on the head or neck with forearm, elbow, or hands: A strike to an opponent's head or neck area with forearm, elbow, or hands results in a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may lead to disqualification.
Roughing kicker: Unnecessarily making contact with the kicker after a kick leads to a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may result in disqualification.
Roughing passer: Hitting the quarterback after they've thrown the ball leads to a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may result in disqualification.
Malicious unnecessary roughness: Engaging in malicious and unnecessary roughness results in a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may lead to disqualification.
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Displaying unsportsmanlike conduct leads to a 15-yard penalty. Flagrant violations may result in disqualification.
Palpably unfair act (Distance penalty determined by the Referee after consultation with other officials): If a palpably unfair act occurs, where a team is deprived of a touchdown, the Referee determines the distance penalty after consulting with other officials.
Using a helmet (not worn) as a weapon: Using a helmet as a weapon, even if not worn during the play, leads to a 15-yard penalty and automatic disqualification.
Striking or purposely shoving a game official: Striking or purposely shoving a game official results in a 15-yard penalty and automatic disqualification.
Suspension From Game For One Down (Illegal equipment): If a player is found with illegal equipment, they are suspended from the game for one down but can return when legally equipped.
Touchdown Awarded (Palpably Unfair Act): If the Referee determines that a palpably unfair act deprived a team of a touchdown (e.g., a player coming off the bench to tackle a runner en route to a touchdown), a touchdown may be awarded.