Helping the runner incurs what penalty?

The penalty for helping the runner is a 5-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. This rule is in place to maintain fair play and ensure that players do not gain an unfair advantage by physically assisting the ball carrier in advancing the football. The intent is to discourage actions such as teammates pushing or pulling the runner, which could disrupt the flow of the game and compromise its integrity.

In this context, the 5-yard penalty serves to reinforce the importance of individual effort and skill in moving the ball down the field, rather than relying on external assistance from fellow players. Proper enforcement of this penalty helps uphold the spirit of the game by ensuring compliance with established play standards.