What is the penalty for illegal touching in football?

The penalty for illegal touching in football is indeed 5 yards from the previous spot, along with an automatic loss of down (LOD). This situation typically arises when a player who is not an eligible receiver (for example, a player who has gone out of bounds and re-entered the field) touches the ball during a play.

The enforcement of a 5-yard penalty reflects the nature of the infraction, which is considered a relatively minor violation in the context of the game. The loss of down component serves to penalize the offense further by not only moving them back but also removing an opportunity to advance the ball.

This reflects the intention of the rule to maintain fair play by ensuring that only eligible players can participate in the play and that there are consequences for infractions that could give an unfair advantage. The chosen penalty encapsulates the balance between enforcing rules and maintaining the pace and flow of the game.