Penalty |
Description |
Penalty Yardage (NFL) |
Encroachment |
When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped. |
5 yards |
False Start |
When an interior lineman on the offensive team moves prior to the snap of the ball, or when any offensive player makes a quick, abrupt movement prior to the snap of the ball. |
5 yards |
Offside |
When any part of a player’s body is beyond the line of scrimmage or free kick line when the ball is put into play. |
5 yards |
Holding (Offensive) |
When an offensive player uses his hands, arms, or other parts of his body to prevent a defensive player from tackling the ball carrier. |
10 yards |
Holding (Defensive) |
When a defensive player tackles or holds an offensive player other than the ball carrier. |
5 yards
Automatic First Down |
Pass Interference |
A judgment call made by an official who sees a defensive player make contact with the intended receiver before the ball arrives, thus restricting his opportunity to catch the forward pass. |
Spot of the foul
Automatic First Down |
Helmet to Helmet Collision |
When one player uses his helmet to hit into another player’s helmet. |
15 yards
Automatic First Down |
Horse Collar Tackle |
When one player tackles another by grabbing inside their shoulder pads (or jersey) from behind and yanking them down. |
15 yards
Automatic First Down |
Face Mask |
When a player grabs the face mask of another player while attempting to block or tackle. |
15 yards
Automatic First Down |
Roughing the Kicker |
When a defensive player makes any contact with the punter, provided the defensive player hasn’t touched the kicked ball before contact. |
15 yards
Automatic First Down |
Roughing the Passer |
hen a defensive player makes direct contact with the quarterback after the quarterback has released the ball. |
15 yards
Automatic First Down |
Personal Foul |
An illegal, flagrant foul considered risky to the health of another player. |
15 yards |
Delay of Game |
An action which delays the game; for example, if the offense allows the play clock to run out |
5 yards |