Offside is called if a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. The penalty is 5 yards.

Interference is called if either the pass receiver or the pass defender is tackled or blocked after the ball has been thrown, and before either has a chance to catch the ball. If the defender interferes, the offensive team receives a first down at the point of the foul. If the receiver interferes, the offensive team is penalized 15 yards plus the loss of a down.

Illegal Procedure (aka Illegal Motion) is called if the offensive team does not have seven men on the line, or if an offensive player moves forward before the center snaps the ball. The penalty is 5 yards.

Delay of Game occurs when the offensive team does not put the ball in play in 25 seconds or less after the last play, or after the referee has started play. In professional football, 30 seconds are allowed. This foul can also be called on the defensive team for slowing play. The penalty is 5 yards.

Holding is called on an offensive player who blocks with his hands away from his body, or stops a player by some method other than a legal block. Defensive holding is called if a defender grabs a blocker. The penalty is 10 or 15 yards for offensive holding, 5 yards for defensive holding. In professional football, the offensive team also gets a first down if a defensive player is caught holding.

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This page was last updated on 01/18/2010.