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:
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). PENALTY—[a.-c.] Dead-ball foul: Five yards from the succeeding spot. [S18; S19]
