Encroachment Penalty in Football

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What is a Encroachment Penalty?

The Encroachment penalty is called when the defense crosses the line of scrimmage and touches a player on the offense before the ball is snapped. This is different than the offsides penalty which will be called if the player is across the line of scrimmage, but not touching an opposing player when the ball is snapped.

Number of Yards

There is a 5 yard penalty in both the NFL and College Football.

The Signal

When signaling the Encroachment penalty the referee will place both hands on their waste, with the elbows at an approx 45 degree angle.