Dead-Ball Fouls
ARTICLE 5. Penalties for dead-ball fouls are administered separately and in order of occurrence [Exception: When dead-ball unsportsmanlike or dead-ball personal fouls by both teams are reported to the referee and none of the penalties have been completed, the yardage penalties cancel and the number or type of down established before the fouls occurred is unaffected. Any disqualified or ejected player must leave the game (Rules 5-2-6 and 10-2-2a)].
Approved Ruling 10-1-5 I. With fourth and eight, Team A gains four yards and the ball is declared dead, after which B1 is called for piling on. RULING: Team B personal foul. Penalty—15 yards from the succeeding spot. First and 10 for Team B (Rule 5-1-1c). The clock starts on the snap.
Approved Ruling 10-1-5 II. A personal foul occurs during action after a snap infraction that was made before the ball was ready for play. RULING: Every effort should be made to prevent any such premature snap and resulting action, but if such a foul does occur, it is between downs. Both penalties are enforced. If the personal foul is by Team B, there is likely a net of 10 yards for Team A. The penalty for Team B’s foul carries an automatic first down.
Approved Ruling 10-1-5 III. Second and goal at the three-yard line. Ball carrier A14 is downed at the one-yard line and then B67 piles on. A14 retaliates by punching B67. RULING: The penalties cancel since neither has been completed. A14 is ejected for fighting. Third and goal (Rule 10-1-1).
