Penalty enforcement can sometimes be overwhelming. When explaining penalty enforcement tenets, we sometimes take too big a bite and examine too many components in one sitting. In the next few articles, we’ll break down penalty enforcement principles into bite-sized pieces.
Let’s start with the Basic Spot.
The Basic Spot is a reference point for penalty enforcement (Rule 2-41-1).
Rule 10-4-1 says, “If a foul occurs during a down, the basic spot is determined by the action that occurs during the down.”
Fouls can also occur during the dead ball period between downs.
The Rule 10-4 articles identify the basic spot for penalty enforcement for fouls depending on:
- Who committed the foul (i.e., A, B, K, R)
- Where the foul occurred (i.e., beyond or behind the line of scrimmage, in the end zone)
- What foul occurred (i.e., “common” foul; post scrimmage kick; Illegal batting, kicking, participation; unsportsmanlike conduct; dead-ball; nonplayer)
- When the foul occurred (i.e., simultaneous with the snap, during a legal kick, loose ball play, running play, following a change of possession)
The Rule 10-4 basic spots are:
- Previous spot
- Succeeding spot
- Spot where the kick ends
- Spot of the foul
- Spot of the end of the run or related run
- 20-yard line
- Goal line
The next handful of articles will examine penalty enforcement for each of the basic spots.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer(s). (Choose all that apply.)
3/G from the B-9. A7 runs to the B-6 and is tackled by B70. A7 stands, throws the ball at B70, and curses at him. B70 then shoves A7 to the ground.
- B70’s foul is for unsportsmanlike conduct
- Enforce A7’s foul half the distance to the goal, then enforce B70’s foul
- A7’s and B70’s fouls will offset, replay the down
- A7’s and B70’s fouls will offset, 4/G from the B-6
Review Rules 9-4-3b, 9-5-1a and b, 10-2-5b