What happens when there is an illegal substitution on the field?

When there is an illegal substitution on the field in NFHS football, the penalty is enforced as a 5-yard penalty against the offending team. This infraction occurs when a team substitutes players in a manner that violates the substitution rules, such as failing to give the opposing team an opportunity to substitute or having too many players on the field at the time of the snap.

The reason for a 5-yard penalty in this situation is to maintain fair play and ensure that both teams have an equal chance to adjust their personnel for the upcoming play. This encourages strategic decision-making by both coaches and maintains the flow of the game. The enforcement of a 5-yard penalty allows the game to continue without severely penalizing a team for what is typically a less egregious violation compared to other infractions, such as personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct, which can carry heavier penalties.