If a player is flagged for a facemask penalty, when does the ball next become live?

When a player is flagged for a facemask penalty, the ball next becomes live at the succeeding spot after the penalty is assessed. This means that after the penalty is called and the necessary yardage is marked off from the previous spot, the team that was not penalized will have possession of the ball at the new spot.

The concept of the ball becoming live at the succeeding spot is crucial in understanding the flow of the game. During this situation, the referee ensures that the penalty is properly enforced, and once that enforcement is complete, the teams can prepare to execute the next play.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the timing for when the ball becomes live. For example, saying the ball becomes live at the start of the next quarter incorrectly implies a whole new period initiates without regard for the current situation. Stating it becomes live after the next play suggests a delayed restart that does not occur in this context. Declaring the ball live immediately after the flag is thrown would not allow for the penalty to be properly administered, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game. This understanding of penalty enforcement and play resumption is critical for players, coaches, and officials alike.