Understanding Referee Calls when Watching Pro Football

So you are sitting down watching the football game with either family and friends. The popcorn has been popped and the soda and beer is laid out. Everyone is crowded around the TV and they are doing one of two things: either they are cheering or they are jeering.

All of a sudden you see this guy in a striped zebra shirt with white pants and a white cap throw a yellow flag in the air. And then his cohorts join in all blowing their whistle multiple times. You wonder to yourself... "what just happened?"

After he turns his microphone on, he tries to explain what they call a penalty. You've never heard this jargon before, and it's met again with one of two things; either they are cheering or they are jeering.

No fear, here are a few of the most common calls you'll hear from a referee in a football game and what they mean.

HOLDING:

Holding means that a player has illegally grabbed another play and prevented them from advancing their position. This is usually called on the offensive linemen because their hands get too wide when blocking and they grab the jersey of a defensive player. It results in a 10yd penalty and the play being ran over.

If you do have it called on the defense, it will result in a 10yd penalty for the defense and become an automatic first down.

OFFSIDES:

Offsides is a penalty against the defense. It occurs when a defensive player crosses the nose of ball before it is snapped. If the defensive player can get back before the snap he is OK. But if he has crossed the plane of he ball and it is snapped it is a 5yd penalty.

ILLEGAL PROCEDURE:

Illegal procedure is when an offensive player moves before the snap of the ball. Certain players are allowed to go in motion which means moving laterally or backwards. But if your hand is on the ground, you are set. Once set if you move before the ball snaps the whistle will blow, the play is dead and your team is penalized 5yds.

ILLEGAL CONTACT:

Illegal contact happens when a defensive player comes in contact with an offensive player after 5yds down field. A defensive player can jam or obstruct an offensive receiver up until the 5yd mark. Afterwards he is not allowed to touch him. This is most commonly called on defensive backs and will result in a penalty and first down.

Use this article to help increase your knowledge of watching football games. It will help you understand what all the cheering and jeering is about.