If the NFL playoff games leading up to Super Bowl 54 have taught us anything, it’s that a controversial pass interference call is almost guaranteed to be a major talking point during the biggest game of the year. Multiple fanbases have been rightfully outraged over penalty flags this postseason, and with the Super Bowl expected to be a tight game, a pass interference penalty could easily change the outcome of the game. So, what is pass interference, exactly?
Here’s how the NFL defines pass interference, according to the rulebook:
It is pass interference by either team when any act by a player more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders an eligible player’s opportunity to catch the ball. Pass interference can only occur when a forward pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, regardless of whether the pass is legal or illegal, or whether it crosses the line.
Defensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is thrown until the ball is touched. See Article 2 for prohibited acts while the ball is in the air. Offensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is snapped until the ball is touched. See Article 2 for prohibited acts while the ball is in the air and Article 4 for prohibited acts prior to the pass.
What are players NOT allowed to do after the ball is thrown?
Via the NFL rulebook:
- (a) Contact by a player who is not playing the ball that restricts the opponent’s opportunity to make the catch;
- (b) Playing through the back of an opponent in an attempt to make a play on the ball;
- (c) Grabbing an opponent’s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass;
- (d) Extending an arm across the body of an opponent, thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, and regardless of whether the
player committing such act is playing the ball; - (e) Cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball;
- (f) Hooking an opponent in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that it causes the opponent’s body to turn prior to the
ball arriving; or - (g) Initiating contact with an opponent by shoving or pushing off, thus creating separation.
What are players ALLOWED to do after the ball is thrown?
Via the NFL rulebook:
- (a) Incidental contact by an opponent’s hands, arms, or body when both players are competing for the ball, or neither player is
looking for the ball. If there is any question whether contact is incidental, the ruling shall be no interference. - (b) Inadvertent tangling of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball.
- (c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the pass is clearly uncatchable by the involved players,
except as specified in 8-3-2 and 8-5-4 pertaining to blocking downfield by the offense. - (d) Laying a hand on an opponent that does not restrict him in an attempt to make a play on the ball.
- (e) Contact by a player who has gained position on an opponent in an attempt to catch the ball.
What are the penalties?
For offensive pass interference, the offense loses 10 yards from the previous spot.
For defensive pass interference, the offensive team earns at automatic first down at the spot of the foul.
If the interference is also a personal foul (12-2), the 15-yard penalty for such a foul is also enforced, either from the spot of the foul (for interference), or from the end of the run if the foul for pass interference is declined. If the interference is behind the defensive goal line, it is first down for the offensive team on the defense’s one-yard line, or, if the previous spot was inside the two-yard line, halfway between the previous spot and the goal line.
Starting in 2019, coaches have the ability to challenge pass interference – though the success rate for PI challenges was extremely low, as officials have set an incredibly high bar for what is deemed “clear and obvious” evidence that a call was incorrect.
A pass interference ruling will be changed in replay only when there is clear and obvious visual evidence that the on-field ruling was incorrect. To change the ruling on the field, there must be clear and obvious evidence that contact “significantly hindered” or “did not significantly hinder” an opponent.
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