What penalty is assigned for an illegal shift violation during play?

An illegal shift occurs when one or more players are in motion at the time the ball is snapped, which violates rules regarding player movement before the play starts. Under the NFHS rules, this penalty is considered a standardized infraction related to improper player formations or movements. The appropriate penalty for an illegal shift is a loss of five yards, taken from the previous spot. This enforcement reflects the intent to maintain fair play during the transition from a huddle or set position to play, ensuring that all players are set and stationary before the snap occurs. The five-yard penalty serves to uphold the structure of the game and allows the offense an opportunity to realign without severe detriment to the game flow.