Which situation results in a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct?

A player taunting another player results in a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct because it violates the principles of sportsmanship and respect for opponents. Taunting is deemed to create a hostile environment and can provoke further conflict on the field. The NFHS rules emphasize maintaining sportsmanship and treating all participants with respect, which is why such actions draw significant penalties to deter this behavior. The 15-yard penalty serves as a serious consequence, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the game and discouraging similar actions in the future.

Other situations, like stepping out of bounds or taking too long to snap the ball, typically result in less severe penalties, such as a loss of down or a five-yard penalty, and do not reflect the same level of unsportsmanlike behavior. While using excessive force in a tackle may also draw a penalty, such actions are usually categorized under personal fouls rather than unsportsmanlike conduct. Thus, taunting stands out as clearly warranting a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.