How to Signal Holding in Football

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Brian Currier and I'm here on behalf of Expert Village. I'm here to talk about football penalties and the hand signals that the officials give to indicate the penalties. A number of the penalties have different rules associated with them depending upon the level of football you're talking about, whether it's high school, college, or the NFL. As much as possible, we'll indicate where those differences are. During the course of play, no player is permitted to punch, bat or kick a loose ball in any direction. The penalty for deliberately batting, kicking, or punching the ball is a 10 yard assessment and the signal is (video demo, right hand on right shoulder while kicking right leg forward). During the course of play, the team in possession of the ball may not help the runner move forward by pushing, shoving, or pulling him forward. The penalty for aiding the runner carries a five yard assessment and the signal is (video demo, both hands, palms up, lifting upward). No player on either the offense or defense is permitted to restrain an opponent from moving by holding him either by the jersey or a body part. The penalty for holding carries a 10 yard assessment and the signal is (video demo, left hand holding right wrist while moving both up and down in front of body)."