All fouls in this section (unless noted) and any other acts of unnecessary roughness are personal fouls. For flagrant personal fouls mandating IFAF review, see Rule 9-6. Except as otherwise noted, the penalties for all personal fouls are as follows:

PENALTY − Personal foul. 15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Penalties for Team A live-ball personal fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the live-ball foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line. [S7, S24, S25, S34, S38, S39, S40, S41, S45 or S46: PF-*]. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47: DSQ].
For Team A fouls during free or scrimmage kick plays: Enforcement may be either at the previous spot or the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (field goal plays exempted) (Rules 6-1-8 and 6-3-13).
For Team B personal fouls during a legal forward pass play (Rules 7-3-12 and 10-2-2-e): Enforcement is at the end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of team possession during the down. If the pass is incomplete or intercepted, or if there is a change of team possession during the down, the penalty is enforced at the previous spot.

No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of his helmet. The crown of the helmet is the portion of the helmet above the level of
the top of the facemask. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (see Rule 2-35). When in question, it is a foul (Rule 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-3:I)
PENALTY − Flagrant foul. In addition to the 15-yard penalty, automatic disqualification. The 15-yard penalty is not enforced if the video judge reverses the disqualification. [S38, S24 and S47: PF-TGT/DSQ]

No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of his helmet. The crown of the helmet is the portion of the helmet above the level of the top of the facemask. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (see Rule 2-35). When in question, it is a foul (Rule 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-3:I)
PENALTY − Flagrant foul. In addition to the 15-yard penalty, automatic disqualification. The 15-yard penalty is not enforced if the video judge reverses the disqualification. [S38, S24 and S47: PF-TGT/DSQ]

No player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (see Rule 2-35). When in question, it is a foul (Rule 2-27-14 and 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-4:I-VI)
PENALTY − Flagrant foul. In addition to the 15-yard penalty, automatic disqualification. The 15-yard penalty is not enforced if the video judge reverses the disqualification. [S38, S24 and S47: PF-TGT/DSQ]

Article 5 - Clipping

There shall be no clipping (Rule 2-5).
Exceptions:

1. Offensive players who are on the line of scrimmage at the snap within the free- blocking zone (Rule 2-3-6) legally may clip in the free-blocking zone, subject to the following restrictions:

(a) A player in the free-blocking zone may not block an opponent with the force of the initial contact from behind and at or below the knee.
(b) A player on the line of scrimmage within the free-blocking zone may not leave the zone and return and legally clip.
(c) No player may violate Rule 9-1-6 (Blocking Below the Waist).
NOTE: The free-blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone (Rule 2-3-6).

2. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed himself in intent and direction of movement.
3. When a player attempts to reach a ball carrier or simulated ball carrier or attempts to legally recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass, he may push an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks (Rule 9-3-6 Exception 3).
4. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks to get to a forward pass (Rule 9-3-6 Exception 5).
5. Clipping is allowed against the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier.

Article 6 - Blocking Below the Waist

a. Team A prior to a change of team possession:
Linemen with initial position completely inside the tackle box may legally block below the waist inside the tackle box or the free-blocking zone until the ball leaves the tackle box. All other Team A players are allowed to block below the waist only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front. "Directed from the front" is defined as within the clock face region between "10 o’clock and 2 o’clock" forward of the area of concentration of the player being blocked.
Exceptions:

1. Team A players may not block below the waist when the block occurs five yards or more beyond the neutral zone.
2. Players outside the tackle box at the snap or any time after the snap, or who are in motion at the snap may not block below the waist toward the original position of the ball at the snap.
3. Once the ball has left the tackle box, a player may not block below the waist toward his own end line.

b. Team B prior to a change of team possession:

1. Other than in paragraphs 2 and 3 (below), players of Team B may block below the waist only within the area defined by lines parallel to the goal line five yards beyond and behind the neutral zone extended to the sidelines. To be legal, this block must be directed from the front. Blocking below the waist by players of Team B outside this zone is illegal except against the ball carrier. (A.R. 9-1-6:VI, IX)
2. Players of Team B may not block below the waist against an opponent who is in position to receive a backward pass.
3. Players of Team B may not block below the waist against an eligible Team A pass receiver beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get to the ball or ball carrier. This prohibition ends when a legal forward pass is no longer possible by rule.

c. Kicks:
During a down in which there is a free kick or scrimmage kick, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal except against a ball carrier.
d. After change of team possession:
After any change of team possession, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal except against a ball carrier.
e. Clipping. No player may violate Rule 9-1-5 (Clipping).

Article 7 - Late Hit, Action Out of Bounds

a. There shall be no piling on, falling on, or throwing the body on an opponent after the ball becomes dead. (A.R. 9-1-7:I)
b. No opponent shall tackle or block the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier when he is clearly out of bounds or throw him to the ground after the ball becomes dead.
c. It is illegal for any player to be clearly out of bounds when he initiates a block against an opponent who is out of bounds. The spot of the foul is the point on the sideline nearest to where the contact occurs.

Article 8 - Helmet and Face Mask Fouls

a. No player shall continuously contact an opponent’s face, helmet (including the face mask) or neck with hand(s) or arm(s) (Exception: By or against the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier). [S26: PF-HTF] b. No player shall grasp and then twist, turn or pull the face mask, chin strap or any helmet opening of an opponent. It is not a foul if the face mask, chin strap or helmet opening is not grasped and then twisted, turned or pulled. When in question, it is a foul.

Article 9 - Roughing the Passer

a. No defensive player shall unnecessarily rough a forward passer when it is obvious the ball has been thrown. Illegal actions include but are not limited to:

1. Targeting fouls as noted in Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4.
2. Forcible contact to the head or neck area that does not meet the requirements of Rule 9-1-4 (also reference Rule 9-1-2).
3. Forcible contact that is avoidable after it is obvious the ball has left the forward passer’s hand. (Exception: A defensive player who is blocked by a Team A player(s) with a force so that he has no opportunity to avoid contact with the forward passer. However, this does not relieve the defensive player of responsibility for personal fouls as described elsewhere in this section.)
4. Forcibly driving the passer to the ground and landing on him with action that punishes the player.
5. Any action that is a personal foul as described elsewhere in this section.

b. When an offensive player is in a passing posture with one or both feet on the ground, no defensive player rushing unabated shall hit him forcibly at the knee area or below. The defensive player also may not initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit this opponent in the knee area or below.
Exceptions:

1. It is not a foul if the offensive player is a ball carrier or simulated ball carrier not in a passing posture, either inside or outside the tackle box.
2. It is not a foul if the defender grabs or wraps this opponent in an attempt to make a conventional tackle without making forcible contact with the head or shoulder.
3. It is not a foul if the defender is not rushing unabated or is blocked or fouled into this opponent.

PENALTY − The 15-yard penalty is added to the end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of team possession during the down. (A.R. 9-1-9:II-III)

Article 10 - Chop Blocking

Article 11 - Leverage and Leaping

a. No defensive player, in an attempt to gain an advantage, may step, jump or stand on an opponent.
b. It is a foul if a defensive player moves forward and tries to block a kick or apparent kick on a field goal or try by leaving his feet and leaping into the plane directly above the frame of the body of an opponent. It is not a foul if the player was aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped.
c. It is a foul if a defensive player who is inside the tackle box tries to block a punt by leaving his feet and leaping into the plane directly above the frame of the body of an opponent.

1. It is not a foul if the player tries to block the punt by jumping straight up without attempting to leap over the opponent.
2. It is not a foul if a player leaps through or over the gap between players.

d. No defensive player, in an attempt to block, bat or catch a kick, may:

1. Step, jump or stand on a teammate.
2. Place a hand(s) on a teammate to get leverage for additional height.
3. Be picked up by a teammate, or be elevated, propelled or pushed.

PENALTY − 15 yards, previous spot and automatic first down. [S38: PF-LEA]
e. No player may position himself with his feet on the back or shoulders of a teammate before the snap.
PENALTY − Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules [S27: UC-UNS].

Article 12 - Leverage and Leaping

a. No player shall tackle or run into a receiver when a forward pass to him obviously is not catchable. This is a personal foul and not pass interference.
b. No player shall run into or throw himself against an opponent obviously out of the play either before or after the ball is dead.

Article 13 - Leverage and Leaping

Article 14 - Leverage and Leaping

Article 15 - Leverage and Leaping

All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, the nameplate area of the jersey or above, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and pulling the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier toward the ground. This does not apply to a ball carrier, including a potential forward passer, who is inside the tackle box (Rule 2-34). Note that the tackle box disintegrates when the ball leaves it.
NOTE: It is not necessary for a player to pull the opponent completely to the ground in order for the act to be illegal. If the opponent’s knees are buckled by the action, it is a foul even if he is not pulled completely to the ground.

Article 16 - Roughing or Running into Kicker or Holder

a. When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the holder of a place kick. (A.R. 9-1-16:I, III and VI)

1. Roughing is a live-ball personal foul that endangers the kicker or holder.
2. Running into the kicker or holder is a live-ball foul that occurs when the kicker or holder is displaced from his kicking or holding position but is not roughed. (A.R. 9-1-16:II)
3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
4. The kicker’s protection under this rule ends:

(a) When he has had a reasonable time to regain his balance (A.R. 9-1-16:IV); or
(b) When he carries the ball outside the tackle box (Rule 2-34) before kicking.

5. When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block (legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.
6. A player who makes contact with the kicker or holder after touching the kick is not charged with running into or roughing the kicker.
7. When a player other than one who blocks a scrimmage kick runs into or roughs the kicker or holder, it is a foul.
8. When in question whether the foul is running into or roughing, the foul is roughing.

PENALTY − Roughing or any other personal foul against the kicker who is in the act of or just after kicking the ball: 15 yards from the previous spot, plus automatic first down if not in conflict with other rules [S38 and S30: PF-RTK/PF-RTH]. Running into the kicker: five yards from the previous spot [S30: RNK/RNH].
b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike act. (A.R. 9-1-16:V)
PENALTY − 15 yards from the previous spot [S27: UC-SBR].
c. The kicker of a free kick may not be blocked until he has advanced five yards beyond his restraining line, or until the ball has touched a player, an official or the ground.
PENALTY − 15 yards from the previous spot [S40: PF-RTK].

Article 17 - Continued Participation Without Helmet

Article 18 - Blind-side block

No player shall deliver a blind-side block by attacking an opponent with forcible contact. (Exceptions:
1. the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier;
2. a receiver in the act of attempting to make a catch.)
NOTE: In addition, if this action meets all the elements of targeting, it is a blind-side block with targeting (Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4).

SECTION 2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls

Article 1 - Unsportsmanlike Acts

There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorised attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods. Infractions for these acts by players are administered as either live-ball or dead-ball fouls depending on when they occur. (A.R. 9-2-1:I-X)
a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:

1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the image of the game, including but not limited to:

(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.
(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.
(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the ear to request recognition.
(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).
(e) An unopposed ball carrier obviously altering stride as he approaches the opponent’s goal line or diving into the end zone.
(f) A player removing his helmet after the ball is dead and before he is in the team area (Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a measurement for a first down).
(g) Punching one’s own chest or crossing one’s arms in front of the chest while standing over a prone player.
(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or bowing at the waist after a good play.
(i) Intentionally removing the helmet while the ball is alive.
(j) Dead-ball contact fouls such as pushing, shoving, striking, etc. that occur clearly after the ball is dead and that are not part of the game action. (A.R. 9-2-1:X)
(k) After the ball is dead, using forcible contact to push or pull an opponent off the pile. (A.R. 9-2-1:XI)

PENALTY − Unsportsmanlike conduct. Live-ball fouls by players: 15 yards [S27: UC-*]. Live-ball fouls by non-players and all dead-ball fouls: 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S27: UC-*]. Automatic first down for live-ball and dead- ball fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47: DSQ].

2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot. This prohibits:

(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(b) Spiking the ball to the ground (Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2-f)).
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.

PENALTY − Unsportsmanlike conduct. Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S27: UC-*]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47: DSQ].

b. Other prohibited acts include:

1. During the game, coaches, squad members and authorised attendants in the team area shall not be on the field of play or outside the 25-yard lines to protest an officiating decision or to communicate with players or officials without permission from the referee. (Exception: Rules 1-2-4-f, 3-3-4-d, 3-3-8-c and 3-5-1).
2. No disqualified person shall be in view of the field of play (Rule 9-2-6).
3. No person or mascot subject to the rules, except players, officials and eligible substitutes, shall be on the field of play or end zones during any period without permission from the referee. If a player is injured, attendants may come inbounds to attend him, but they must obtain recognition from an official.
4. No substitute(s) may enter the field of play or end zones for purposes other than replacing a player(s) or to fill a player vacancy(ies). This includes demonstrations after any play (A.R. 9-2-1:I).
5. Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create any noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals (Rule 1-1-6).

PENALTY − Unsportsmanlike conduct. Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S27: UC-*]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47: DSQ].

Article 2 - Unfair Tactics

a. No player shall conceal the ball in or beneath his clothing or equipment or substitute any other article for the ball.
b. No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 3-5-2-e). (A.R. 9-2-2:I-V)
c. No equipment may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 1-4-2-d).
d. No unusual action or verbiage may be used by Team A to confuse an opponent into believing the snap or free kick is not imminent.
e. No action that simulates an injury may be used to confuse opponents or officials.
PENALTY − [a-e] — Unsportsmanlike conduct. Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27: UFT]. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47: DSQ].

Article 3 - Unfair Acts

The following are unfair acts:
a. A team refuses to play within two minutes after ordered to do so by the referee.
b. A team repeatedly commits fouls for which penalties can be enforced only by halving the distance to its goal line.
c. An obviously unfair act not specifically covered by the rules occurs during the game. (A.R. 4-2-1:II) (A.R. 9-2-3:I)
PENALTY − Unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee may take any action he considers equitable, which includes directing that the down be repeated, assessing a 15-yard penalty, awarding a score, or suspending or forfeiting the game [S27: UFA].

Article 4 - Contacting an Official

Persons subject to the rules (Rule 1-1-6) shall not intentionally contact a game official forcibly during the game.
PENALTY − Unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot and automatic disqualification. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules [S7, S27 and S47: FCO/DSQ].

Article 5 - Game Administration and Sideline Interference

While the ball is alive and during the continuing action after the ball has been declared dead:
a. Coaches, substitutes and authorised attendants in the team area must be behind the coaching line.
PENALTY − Administer as a dead-ball foul.
First infraction: Warning for sideline interference. No yardage penalty. [S15: SLW] Second and third infractions: Delay of game for sideline interference, five yards from the succeeding spot. [S21 and S29: SLI]
Fourth and subsequent infractions: Team unsportsmanlike conduct for sideline interference, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27 and S29: SLM]
b. Physical interference with an official is a foul charged to the team for unsportsmanlike conduct. (A.R. 9-2-5:I)
PENALTY − Team unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27: UNS]

Article 6 - Disqualified players and coaches

a. Any coach, player or identified squad member in uniform who commits two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls in the same game shall be disqualified.
b. A player disqualified from the game (Rule 2-27-12) must leave the playing enclosure (Rule 2-31-5) under team supervision within a reasonable amount of time after his disqualification. He must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision for the remainder of the game.
c. A coach disqualified from the game must leave the playing enclosure within a reasonable amount of time after the disqualification and must remain out of view of the field of play for the remainder of the game.
d. A head coach disqualified from the game may designate a new head coach.

Article 7 - Removing persons from the playing enclosure

SECTION 3. Blocking, Use of Hands or Arms

Article 1 - Who May Block

Article 2 - Interfering for or Helping the Ball Carrier or Passer

a. The ball carrier or forward passer may use his hand or arm to ward off or push opponents.
b. The ball carrier shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team shall grasp, pull, or lift him to assist him in forward progress. (A.R. 9-3-2:I)
c. Teammates of the ball carrier or forward passer may interfere for him by blocking but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one another in any manner while contacting an opponent.
PENALTY − Five yards [S44: ATR].

Article 3 - Holding and Use of Hands or Arms: Offense

a. Use of hands
A teammate of a ball carrier or a forward passer legally may block with his shoulders, his hands, the outer surface of his arms or any other part of his body under the following provisions.

1. The hand(s) shall be:

(a) In advance of the elbow.
(b) Inside the frame of the opponent’s body (Exception: When the opponent turns his back to the blocker). (A.R. 9-3-3:VI and VII)
(c) At or below the shoulder(s) of the blocker and the opponent (Exception: When the opponent squats, ducks or submarines).
(d) Apart and never in a locked position.

2. The hand(s) shall be open with the palm(s) facing the frame of the opponent or closed or cupped with the palms not facing the opponent. (A.R. 9-3-3:I-IV, VI-VIII)

b. Holding
The hand(s) and arm(s) shall not be used to grasp, pull, hook, clamp or encircle in any way that illegally impedes or illegally obstructs an opponent.
PENALTY − 10 yards. Penalties for Team A fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line [S42: IUH/OFH].
c. Kicking team
A player on the kicking team may:

1. During a scrimmage kick play, use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off an opponent attempting to block him when he is beyond the neutral zone.
2. During a free kick play, use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off an opponent who is attempting to block him.
3. During a scrimmage kick play or a free kick play, when he is eligible to touch the ball, legally use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to push an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball.

d. Passing team
An eligible player of the passing team legally may use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off or push an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball after a legal forward pass has been touched by any player or official (Rules 7-3-5, 7-3-8, 7-3-9 and 7-3-11).

Article 4 - Holding and Use of Hands or Arms: Defense

a. Defensive players may use hands and arms to push, pull, ward off or lift offensive players:

1. When attempting to reach the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier
2. Who are obviously attempting to block them.

b. A defensive player legally may use his hands or arms to ward off or block an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball (Rule 9-1-5 Exceptions 3 and 4 and Rule 9-3-6 Exceptions 3 and 5):

1. During a backward pass, fumble or kick that he is eligible to touch.
2. During any forward pass that crossed the neutral zone and has been touched by any player or official.

c. When making no attempt to get at the ball or the ball carrier or simulated ball carrier, defensive players must comply with Rules 9-3-3-a and 9-3-3-b above.
d. Defensive players may not use hands and arms to tackle, hold or otherwise illegally obstruct an opponent other than a ball carrier or simulated ball carrier.
e. Defensive players may ward off or legally block an eligible pass receiver until that player occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent could not possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal. (A.R. 9-3-5:I)
PENALTY − [c-e] 10 or 15 yards [S38, S42, S43 or S45: IUH/DEH/PF-*].

Article 5 - Use of Hands or Arms by Defense: Passing Downs

During a legal forward pass play in which the pass crosses the neutral zone, if before the pass is touched there is a contact foul by Team B beyond the neutral zone against an eligible receiver (other than pass interference), the penalty includes an automatic first down.
PENALTY − 10 or 15 yards and automatic first down if the first down is not in conflict with other rules [S38, S42, S43 or S45: IUH/DEH/PF-*].

Article 6 - Blocking in the Back

A block in the back (other than against the ball carrier) is illegal. (A.R. 9-3-3:I, VII and IX) (A.R. 10-2-2:XII)
Exceptions:

1. Offensive players who are on the line of scrimmage at the snap within the free- blocking zone (Rule 2-3-6) may legally block in the back in the free-blocking zone, subject to the following restrictions:

(a) A player on the line of scrimmage within this free-blocking zone may not leave the zone, return and block in the back.
(b) The free-blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone (Rule 2-3-6).

2. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed himself in intent and direction of movement.
3. When a player attempts to reach a ball carrier or simulated ball carrier or legally attempts to recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass, he may push an opponent in the back above the waist (Rule 9-1-5 Exception 3).
4. When the opponent turns his back to the blocker under Rule 9-3-3-a-1-b.
5. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent in the back above the waist to get to a forward pass (Rule 9-1-5 Exception 4).

PENALTY − 10 yards. Penalties for Team A fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line [S43: IBB].

SECTION 4. Batting and Kicking

Article 1 - Batting a Loose Ball

a. While a pass is in flight, only a player who is eligible to touch the ball may bat it in any direction (Exception: Rule 9-4-2).
b. Any player may block a scrimmage kick in the field of play or the end zone.
c. No player shall bat other loose balls forward in the field of play or in any direction if the ball is in the end zone (Rule 2-2-3-a) (Exception: Rule 6-3-11). (A.R. 6-3-11:I) (A.R. 9-4-1:I-X) (A.R. 10-2-2:II)
PENALTY − 10 yards and loss of down for fouls by Team A if the loss of down is not in conflict with other rules [S31 and S9: BAT]. [Exception: No loss of down if the foul occurs when a legal scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral zone].

Article 2 - Batting a Backward Pass in Flight

A backward pass in flight shall not be batted forward by the passing team.
PENALTY − 10 yards [S31: BAT].

Article 3 - Batting Ball in Possession

A ball in player possession may not be batted forward by a player of that team.
PENALTY − 10 yards [S31: BAT].

Article 4 - Illegally Kicking a Ball

A player shall not kick a loose ball, a forward pass or a ball being held for a place kick by an opponent. These illegal acts do not change the status of the loose ball or forward pass; but if the player holding the ball for a place kick loses possession during a scrimmage down, it is a fumble and a loose ball; if during a free kick, the ball remains dead. (A.R. 8-7-2:IV) (A.R. 9-4-1:XI)
PENALTY − 10 yards, plus loss of down for fouls by Team A if the loss of down is not in conflict with other rules [S31 and S9: IKB] (Exception: No loss of down if the foul occurs when a legal scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral zone).

SECTION 5. Fighting

Article 1

a. Before, during and after the game, including the half-time intermission, squad members in uniform or coaches shall not participate in a fight (Rule 2-32-1).
PENALTY − 15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding spot.
Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict with other rules. Disqualification for the remainder of the game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47: FGT/DSQ].
b. During either half, coaches and substitutes shall not leave their team area to participate in a fight, nor shall they participate in a fight in their team area.
PENALTY − 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict with other rules. Disqualification for the remainder of the game and the next game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47: FGT/DSQ].

Article 2

SECTION 6. Flagrant Fouls

Article 1 - Player Ejection

Article 2 - Foul Not Called