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Home>Team Sports>Football>Football Penalties
Last updated: Sep 23, 2022
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In football, a player on the offense is permitted to throw the ball forward only once during a play. Once the ball has been thrown forward it can not be thrown or handed off forward.If a player gives the ball to a teammate who is in front of them after a forward pass, this is known as an illegal forward handoff. The result of the play is a five yard penalty from the original spot of the ball on the offense and a loss of down.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Result
- Penalty Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Penalties To Illegal Forward Handoff
- FAQ
Definition
An illegal forward handoff in football is called when a player who has already caught a forward pass hands the ball off in a forward direction to one of their teammates.This penalty is different from an illegal forward pass because the player with the ball would be handing it off to their teammate, not attempting a second forward pass.
If a player catches a forward pass, they can only attempt to give the ball to teammates via backwards passes or a lateral.This is commonly seen late in the game when a team is too far from the end zone to throw a hail mary, but if a handoff is given to a player who is in front of the ball, an illegal forward handoff penalty will be called. Players on the professional level typically have enough awareness to not commit this penalty, making it one of the more rare calls to be seen. However, when it does happen it is usually clear and obvious to the referee and an easy call to make.
Forward handoffs after a forward pass that have already been caught are illegal in football because the ball can only be advanced one time per play, and that advancement must be done behind the line of scrimmage. Forward handoffs are permitted behind the line of scrimmage as long as a forward pass has not already been thrown.
Result
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Forward Handoff | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | N/A |
An illegal forward handoff in football will result in a five yard penalty on the offense and a loss of down. This penalty cannot be called on the defense, as defenders do not have the opportunity to pass the ball. The five yard penalty is deducted from the original line of scrimmage. It is not a very costly penalty, but it is one you do not want to see called on your team.
Penalty Signal
When calling an illegal forward handoff, the referee will put their right hand behind their back and keep their left arm at their side to signal the penalty.
Examples
- The quarterback completes a pass downfield to a receiver. Then the receiver proceeds to hand the ball to another member of their team who is standing in front of him. The action by the receiver is an illegal forward handoff.
- A running back is given a legal handoff and has taken the ball down the field. If the player hands the ball off in a forward direction, the penalty is called because the player has already crossed the line of scrimmage and can not move the ball forward.
- A player fields a kick return and is running it down the field. If the player hands the ball off ahead of them, it is an illegal forward handoff, even on a kick return.
Similar Penalties To Illegal Forward Handoff
- Illegal Forward Pass
- Illegal Snap
- Illegal Formation
FAQ
What is an illegal forward handoff penalty in football?
An illegal forward handoff penalty occurs whenever a football player on the offensive team hands off the ball in a forward direction to one of their teammates after they have already caught a forward pass.Once a player receives a forward pass in football, they can only hand it off to a teammate in a lateral or backwards direction, or attempt to run forward with the ball. This is because the rules of football only allow one forward pass or advancement of the ball per play, which must occur behind the line of scrimmage.
What are the consequences of an illegal forward handoff penalty?
In the NFL, the penalty for an illegal forward handoff is a five-yard loss for the offense, which is deducted from the original line of scrimmage.This penalty also results in a loss of down for the offense, meaning that whichever down the previous play was, the following play will be the next down in the cycle.
Can you challenge an illegal forward handoff penalty in football?
Illegal forward handoff penalties in football are reviewable, which means they are able to be challenged by coaches.Illegal forward handoffs are listed in the rulebook under plays that are reviewable by the replay official and by a coach’s challenge.
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Pages Related to Football Illegal Forward Handoff Penalty
- Football Illegal Crackback Penalty
- Football Illegal Cut Block Penalty
- Football Illegal Kick Kicking Loose Ball Penalty
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- Football Illegal Double Team Block Penalty
- Football Illegal Motion Penalty
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