The penalty for a face mask violation is how many yards?

A face mask violation in high school football results in a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot. This penalty is enforced to discourage the act of grabbing an opponent's face mask, as it poses a safety risk to players. Grabbing the face mask can lead to potentially dangerous situations such as neck injuries, and the higher yardage penalty serves to emphasize the importance of player safety.

In high school football, the face mask rule specifically addresses situations where a player grasps or twists the face mask of an opponent. The enforcement of the 15-yard penalty reflects the NFHS's commitment to maintaining a safe playing environment, while also discouraging similar actions in the future.

This penalty does not include other components such as personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, which have different yardage implications. Understanding the specific yardage for various penalties is crucial for players and coaches to navigate the game effectively.