Roughing the Passer Penalty in Football

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What is a Roughing the Passer Penalty?

A roughing the passer penalty is called when a defensive player hits the quarterback after the pass has been thrown. Since the defense has momentum moving forward, they are allowed to take one step and hit the quarterback after the pass is thrown. This penalty is also called if the hit is above the shoulder area.

Number of Yards

The penalty for roughing the passer is 15 yards and an automatic first down.

The Signal

When signaling the Roughing the Passer penalty the referee raises both arms above the head and strike one wrist against the other. Following that they will swing the arm across the body at an angle.