What is the difference between False Start, Offside, Encroachment, and Neutral Zone Infraction penalties?

Buckle up, NFL noobs, because this one is a doozy.

The basic rules of American football are not all that difficult to understand. But the penalties and all the nit-picky rules...those are a little tougher.

And these four penalties in particular are like different versions of the same thing, but with completely different names to remember. Allow me to explain.

False Start, Offside, Encroachment, Neutral Zone Infraction: Here is what they mean

Each of these penalties has to do with an illegal motion happening before the snap and within the neutral zone, but where exactly the movement occurs, how it occurs, and from whom is key. First, let’s explain what the neutral zone is.

The neutral zone is the space between the two teams - offense and defense - as they are set up for their next play. It starts from the tip of the football and runs from each sideline. Both teams must wait until after the ball is snapped to enter the neutral zone.

If a player moves before the ball is snapped, it will result in one of these penalties.

False Start

Only the offense can commit a False Start penalty. This occurs when a player makes a quick and sudden movement before the snap, which simulates the start of the play.

Penalty result: Dead ball, Loss of 5 yards

Offside

An offside call can be on either the offense or defense, although it’s most common to see it happen on defense.

When an offside penalty is called on defense, it basically looks the same as a false start, but on the defense. It happens when a defender crosses into the neutral zone before the ball is snapped.

If it happens on offense, it’s because a player (typically the snapper himself) is in the neutral zone at the moment the ball is snapped.

Penalty result: Loss of 5 yards, replay down

Encroachment

Encroachment is only a defensive penalty. It occurs when a defender crosses into the neutral zone and actually touches an opponent or the ball before the snap.

Penalty result: Dead ball, loss of 5 yards

Or apparently, if you just keep doing it to taunt the other team, the opponent can be awarded a score. As you can see from these ridiculous shenanigans from the 2024 season...

Neutral Zone Infraction

Like encroachment, a neutral zone infraction (NZI) is also a defensive penalty. This occurs when a defender crosses into the neutral zone and that movement results in a reaction from an offensive player (without contact), which would stop the play.

Penalty result: Dead ball, loss of 5 yards

In simple terms:

• False Start: Offense moves too early
• Offside: Offensive or defensive player lined up in the zone when ball snaps
• Encroachment: Defender touches someone before the snap
• NZI: Defender crosses line, makes an O-lineman jump

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