FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: GETTING INTO TROUBLE
Now that we covered offense, defense and most terms used in a game, it is time to cover the penalties. All I can assume at this point is that this is when someone on the team does something wrong and gets penalized. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. Below are the first five terms we will cover, along with what I thought it meant.
Encroachment—What It Means: This is when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped. There is a 5-yard penalty when this happens.
What I Thought It Meant: The field had a major roach problem.
False start—What It Means: This is 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. There is a 5-yard penalty when this happens.
What I Thought It Meant: I pretty much had the right idea, just not the specifics.
Holding (defensive)—What It Means: This is when a defensive player tackles or holds an offensive player that is not the ball carrier. The penalty for this is 5 yards and an automatic first down.
Holding (offensive)—What It Means: This is when an offensive player uses his hands, arms, or other parts of his body to prevent a defensive player from tackling the ball carrier. The penalty for thisis 10 yards.
What I Thought They Meant: That the players were holding someone from the opposite team to keep them from playing and scoring….similar to when Steve Wilkos holds people back when fighting on Jerry Springer or when people try to break up a fight.
Offside—What It Means: This is 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. This is a 5-yard penalty.
What I Thought It Meant: When players were banished to the side of the game, similar to being put in the corner.
Stay tuned for more penalty lessons!
