ARTICLE 3. Each of the following (a.-c.) is a dead-ball foul. Officials should blow the whistle and not allow the play to continue. After the ball is ready for play and before it is snapped:
a. Snapper. The snapper:
1. May not move to a different position nor have any part of their body beyond the neutral zone; 2. May not lift the ball, move it beyond the neutral zone or simulate the start of a play; 3. May take their hand(s) off the ball, but only if this does not simulate the start of a play.
b. Encroachment. Once the snap is imminent, no other Team A player may be in or beyond the neutral zone (Exception: Substitutes and departing players). c. False Start. No Team A player may commit a false start or contact an opponent.
PENALTY—[a.-c.] Dead-ball foul: Five yards from the succeeding spot. [S18; S19]
