When can a team decline a penalty?

A team can decline a penalty when the outcome of the play is more beneficial than the yardage that would be assessed from the penalty. This decision is typically grounded in the strategy of maximizing yardage and maintaining advantageous field position. For example, if a team gains a significant yardage on a play but a penalty would only move the ball back a few yards, the team may choose to decline the penalty to retain the positive yard gain instead.

In instances such as after a touchdown, declining a penalty often does not apply since the scoring team generally cannot change the outcome of the score based on penalty choices. Additionally, the rule around declining penalties does not have specific restrictions based solely on the timing within the last two minutes of each half. Teams are allowed to decline at any point when they see fit based on the circumstances of the play. Declining a penalty immediately after it is called does not always apply, as teams often take a moment to assess the situation before making their final decision.