If a team illegally substitutes a player mid-play, what is the penalty?

The penalty for illegally substituting a player mid-play is a 5-yard penalty for illegal substitution. In football, the rules require that teams must ensure that they have the correct number of players on the field and that substitutions occur during dead ball situations or when play is stopped. When a team substitutes a player during an active play, it disrupts the flow and integrity of the game.

The enforcement of a 5-yard penalty sends a clear message about the importance of proper substitution practices, designed to maintain fairness and order in the game. This also allows the opposing team to gain a slight advantage, as the penalty yardage puts them in a potentially more favorable field position. The rules around illegal substitution are structured to ensure teams adhere to the established protocols for player changes.

The enforcement of a loss of down or a more severe penalty, like a 15-yard penalty, is not appropriate in this context, as illegal substitution specifically calls for the standardized 5-yard penalty without additional consequences.