If a player is found using an illegal piece of equipment, what is the punishment?

When a player is found using illegal equipment, the enforcement typically results in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. This is because the use of illegal equipment is seen as a violation of the rules that govern fair play in the game. The intent behind this penalty is to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure that all players compete under the same conditions. Therefore, the associated punitive measure is a 15-yard penalty assessed from the spot of the foul, reflecting the seriousness of the violation in maintaining the standards of equipment safety and fairness.

This penalty underscores the importance the rules place on player safety and adherence to regulations, reinforcing that improper equipment can provide an unfair advantage or pose risks to players' safety.