What is the penalty for a personal foul in high school football?

The penalty for a personal foul in high school football is 15 yards and results in an automatic first down for the opposing team. This is consistent across multiple levels of football, including high school, where personal fouls are considered serious infractions. The rationale behind the severity of this penalty is to promote player safety and discourage dangerous plays, which can lead to injuries.

When a personal foul occurs, the enforcement of a 15-yard penalty not only reflects the seriousness of the act but also benefits the team that was the victim of the foul by granting them an automatic first down, which can be a critical advantage in the game. This structure ensures that teams are held accountable for unsportsmanlike conduct and that the game is played fairly and safely.