How to Read Penalties in Football

Football is a rough game with lots of contact. It is also a very technical game, and one in which every inch counts. That is why there are rules governing every aspect of play, including what is legal or illegal to do during a down. Breaking the rules will result in penalties, which in the long run can be disastrous for the offending team. Not everyone can read penalties as they happen, but if you are a referee then it is a must. Read on to learn how to read penalties in football.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Field
• Football
• Players
• Referee

1. Note that as soon as one of the referee's yellow flags has been thrown that a penalty has been read. Most often you will hear the announcer say something to the effect of, "There's a flag on the play," indicating the penalty.
2. Watch the referee's hand and body motions once he announces the penalty. His motion describes the penalty that has been committed. For example, if he places and bounces his hands on his sides, then the penalty is "off sides." Most of the penalty's motions make sense once you have seen them more than once.
3. Look at the referee to see which side has committed the penalty. To indicate which team has caused the penalty, the referee will motion in the direction of the end zone belonging to the offending team. If the offense committed the penalty, then he will point to the offense's end zone.
4. Listen to the referee's explanation of the penalty. The referee will name the penalty in question, number of the player who committed the penalty and conclude with the offending side. For example, he may say, "Off side, number 27, offense 5-yard penalty, repeat first down."
5. Know what the consequences are for each of the penalties. Some penalties are extremely tough, like "pass interference." Pass interference involves preventing the opposing team from completing a pass by actively interfering with the player's ability to catch the ball, as opposed to just batting it away without coming into contact with the receiver.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't cheat. Penalties for doing so can be stiff when they are read, especially when your actions potentially harm other players. Face mask penalties, for example, can seriously injure opponents, as can late hits or "clipping," also called personal fouls.

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