What is the yard penalty for a late hit out of bounds?

The penalty for a late hit out of bounds is correctly assessed as 15 yards. This rule is in place to protect players from unnecessary and potentially dangerous contact after a play has ended. A late hit occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent who is out of bounds, indicating that the play is over and any additional contact is both unnecessary and against the spirit of the game.

The 15-yard penalty serves as a significant deterrent against such actions, reinforcing player safety. This enforcement aligns with the overall objective of the NFHS rules to promote a safe playing environment. The yardage for this infraction is consistent in most levels of play, allowing players and coaches to understand the consequences of actions that jeopardize the integrity and safety of the game.