What should a player expect if they commit a late hit on an opponent?

Committing a late hit on an opponent typically results in a significant penalty due to the potential danger and unsportsmanlike nature of the action. A late hit occurs when a player continues to engage an opponent after the play has ended, which can lead to injury and is against the spirit of fair play.

In football governed by NFHS rules, a late hit is generally classified as a personal foul, which carries a penalty of 15 yards. This is designed to emphasize player safety and discourage actions that could lead to serious injuries. The severity of the penalty reflects the seriousness of the infraction and serves as a deterrent to players.

Other options like a warning or a lesser penalty do not align with the established guidelines for personal fouls. The automatic ejection from the game is reserved for more severe infractions or repeated violations but is not the standard response for a single late hit unless it is deemed particularly egregious.