In gridiron football, encroachment refers to when before the snap, a defensive player illegally crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent or has a clear path to the quarterback. In high school, this includes any crossing of the neutral zone by the defense, whether contact is made or not. It is a violation of the game's code. It is similar to offside except when it occurs, the play is not allowed to begin. Like offside violations, the violating team is penalized 5 yards.[1][2]
The head linesman has the duty of watching out for encroachment and other similar infractions, and the line judge assists in this process.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Beacom, Mike. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Football. http://books.google.com/books?id=Z1SG10xaATwC&pg=PT203&dq=encroachment+football&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UaMZT67vBsL10gG37tjPCw&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=encroachment%20football&f=false.
- ↑ NIRSA. 2009 & 2010 NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials' Manual-14th .... p. 39. http://books.google.com/books?id=uGaGYI15s7oC&pg=PA39&dq=encroachment+football&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UaMZT67vBsL10gG37tjPCw&ved=0CEUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=encroachment%20football&f=false.
- ↑ Long, Howie; Czarnecki, John. Football for Dummies. pp. 42–43. http://books.google.com/books?id=vlNLzi2Me_8C&pg=PA345&dq=encroachment+football&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UaMZT67vBsL10gG37tjPCw&ved=0CEoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=encroachment%20&f=false.