What is the penalty yardage for pass interference in football?

In football, the penalty for pass interference is typically enforced as a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot of the foul. This penalty applies to both offensive and defensive pass interference. The rationale behind this yardage is to balance the competitive fairness of the game by penalizing the team that commits the infraction while providing a significant but not excessive advantage to the opposing team.

When offensive pass interference occurs, the play is negated and the offensive team loses 15 yards from the original line of scrimmage. In the case of defensive pass interference, the offended team is awarded a first down at the spot of the foul or the usual 15 yards, depending on where the infraction took place. This standardization helps to maintain the flow of the game and ensures that actions that could unfairly impact scoring opportunities are adequately addressed.

Understanding this enforcement is crucial for players, coaches, and officials, as it helps ensure that all parties are aware of the consequences tied to this common infraction in the game.