Fouls & Penalties
In sports, when you break a rule, there is disciplinary action. In football, rule infractions are called “fouls” in which a “penalty” is the action is assessed. Rules are created to regulate the equality of the game and the safety of the players and the penalties keep the players in check so to avoid any potential punishment. The more severe the foul, the more severe the penalty. In other words “let the punishment fit the crime”.
We’re breaking down the most common fouls and penalties in the NFL. This will give you a better understanding of what they mean, what penalty will happen as a result, and even the signal the referee will give to indicate the foul.
Block in the Back
Foul: When a blocker contacts a non-ball carrying player of the opposing team from behind and above the waist.
Penalty Yardage: 10 yards
Facemask
Foul: When a player grabs the face mask of another player while attempting to block or tackle.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards + Automatic First Down
Helping the Runner
Foul: When an offensive player comes to aid a runner in advancing the ball forward. An offensive player may block for the runner, but may not push them forward.
Penalty Yardage: 10 yards
Horse Collar
Foul: When one player tackles another by grabbing inside their shoulder pads or jersey from behind and yanking them down.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards + Automatic First Down
Ineligible Receiver
Foul: When a forward pass is thrown while a player who is ineligible to receive a pass is beyond the line of scrimmage without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass. On most plays, the eligible receivers include the quarterback, running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers, while the ineligible receivers are offensive linemen
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Offsides
Foul: When any part of a player’s body is beyond the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Roughing the Kicker
Foul: When a defensive player makes any contact with the punter, provided the defensive player hasn’t touched the kicked ball before contact.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards + Automatic First Down
Delay of Game
Foul: An action which delays the game; for example, if the offense allows the play clock to run out
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
False Start
Foul: When a 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.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Holding (Offensive)
Foul: When an offensive player uses his hands, arms, or other parts of his body to prevent a defensive player from tackling the ball carrier.
Penalty Yardage: 10 yards
Illegal Shift
Foul: When players shift positions at the line of scrimmage and do not come to a complete stop before the ball is snapped.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Intentional Grounding
Foul: When a passer throws a forward pass without a possible chance of completion due to pressure from the defense. A pass must be thrown in the direction and vicinity of an eligible receiver.
Penalty Yardage: 10 yards + Loss of Down; Loss of Down at spot of the foul; or a Safety if the passer is in their own end zone.
Encroachment
Foul: When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes physical contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Helmet to Helmet Contact
Foul: When one player uses his helmet to hit into another player’s helmet.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards + Automatic First Down
Holding (Defensive)
Foul: When a defensive player tackles or holds an offensive player other than the ball carrier.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards + Automatic First Down
Illegal Use of Hands
Foul: When a player uses their hands to make contact with their opponent's neck, face, or head with force.
Penalty Yardage: 10 yards if by the offence; 5 yards + Automatic First Down if by defense
Neutral Zone Infraction
Foul: When a defensive player gets into or crosses the neutral zone during the snap, causing an offensive player to false start.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Pass Interference (PI)
Foul: When a defensive player makes physical contact with the intended receiver before the ball is caught, making him unable to catch the forward pass.
Penalty Yardage: Offense moves up to the spot of the foul + Automatic First Down
Roughing the Passer
Foul: When a defensive player makes direct contact with the quarterback after the quarterback has released the ball.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards + Automatic First Down
Personal Foul
Foul: An illegal, deliberate foul considered risky to the health of another player.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards
Too Many Men on the Field
Foul: When a team has more than 11 players on the field during a play, this is usually a result of an improper substitution.
Penalty Yardage: 5 yards
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Foul: When any person, player or coach, acts or speaks in a manner deemed to be intentionally harmful.
Penalty Yardage: 15 yards (+ Automatic First Down if committed by defense)