What are the penalties against the defense?
Rule- USA
- NFL FLAG
- 12U
- 12 and under
- League play
- 2026-27 season
- Coaches
Spot fouls are enforced from where they happen, unsportsmanlike conduct from the dead-ball spot, and the rest from the line of scrimmage. Every defensive penalty includes an automatic first down.
| Foul | Yardage |
|---|---|
| Pass interference (spot foul) | Ball at the spot |
| Holding / illegal contact (spot foul) | +5 |
| Stripping the ball (spot foul) | +5 |
| Offside / encroachment / illegal substitution | +5 |
| Illegal rush (rushing from inside 7 yards, or a non-rusher crossing early) | +5 |
| Illegal flag pull (before the receiver has the ball) | +5 |
| Roughing the passer | +5 |
| Unnecessary roughness | +10 |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | +10 |
| Taunting | +10 |
- A defensive spot foul in the end zone puts the ball on the 1-yard line, first down.
- If the yardage is more than half the distance to the goal, it's half the distance instead.
- A half or game can't end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
- Clear path: if a defensive foul prevents an obvious touchdown, the offense is awarded the touchdown.
Updated 21 Oct 2026