What penalty applies for grasping an opponent's face mask?

Grasping an opponent's face mask is a foul that is taken seriously in football due to safety concerns and the potential for injury. The penalty for this infraction is 15 yards, which reflects the severity of the act that can endanger players. Enforcing a 15-yard penalty serves as a deterrent to discourage players from committing such actions that could jeopardize the safety of others on the field. In addition, the nature of the face mask foul often disrupts the game or gives an unfair advantage to the offending team, which is why it carries a heavier penalty compared to less severe infractions. The rules aim to maintain a level of player safety and sportsmanship, making the enforcement of a 15-yard penalty appropriate in this context.