What is the penalty for charging into an opponent who is obviously out of the play?

The penalty for charging into an opponent who is obviously out of the play is 15 yards. This penalty aligns with the spirit of the rules, which are designed to protect players from unnecessary harm and uphold the integrity of the game. When a player engages with an opponent who is not involved in the play, it is considered a personal foul, which carries a higher penalty to reflect the seriousness of the action.

In football, personal fouls such as this one are typically enforced at 15 yards to deter such behavior and maintain a safe environment on the field. Charging an opponent out of the play shows disregard for the rules and the safety of other players, making it essential to impose a substantial penalty. This measure is intended to discourage late hits or unnecessary roughness towards players who are not actively involved in the play, thus promoting sportsmanship and player welfare.