en*croach*ment
What Is The Definition Of Encroachment In Football?
1. Encroachment is a penalty in football when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the snap and makes contact with an offensive player, or they have a clear path to the quarterback.
However, this is different than being called an offsides penalty, as a defensive player can cross into the neutral zone, but has a chance to get back on their side before the quarterback begins the play.
The penalty for encroachment is five yards.
Examples Of How Encroachment Is Used In Football
1. Williams tries to predict the snap count, but he jumps too soon and pushes right into the left tackle. He’ll be charged with encroachment, repeating second down.
SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Encroachment
The rules of encroachment differ in high school, the NCAA and the NFL. The encroachment rules for each league are as follows:
- In high school, encroachment is called when a defensive player crosses into the neutral zone before the snap, regardless if they touch an offensive player or not.
- In NCAA football, there is no encroachment penalty for defensive players. However, if an offensive player is beyond the line of scrimmage after the center (or snapper) touches the ball, it is encroachment.
- In The NFL, encroachment is called when a defensive player crosses into the neutral zone before the snap and touches an offensive player, or has a clear path to the quarterback. In the NCAA, this is simply an offsides penalty.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Football
