What occurs if a team uses a play that is deceptive or misleading?

The correct choice indicates that a deceptive or misleading play could result in a 5-yard penalty for illegal formation. This penalty applies in scenarios where the offensive team creates confusion about their alignment or formation in a manner that is not within the stipulations of the rules.

When the offense employs formations that mislead the defense regarding the true nature of the play, it often results in a violation, as all players must be clearly positioned according to the formation rules prior to the snap. This ensures that the defense is afforded a fair opportunity to react to the play without being unduly influenced by trickery or deception that could border on unsportsmanlike conduct.

In contrast, the penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, whether 10 or 15 yards, are typically reserved for actions that violate the spirit of fair play rather than purely tactical maneuvers related to formations. The illegal formation penalty is specifically about the manner in which players align and engage with the play itself, differentiating it from broader unsportsmanlike behavior that would require harsher penalties. Therefore, the 5-yard penalty for illegal formation is indeed the appropriate enforcement for a deceptive play.