ARTICLE 5.The defensive team requirements are as follows:
a. Each of the following (1.-5.) 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 the ball is snapped:
1. No player may touch the ball except when moved illegally, nor may any player contact an opponent or in any other way interfere with them.
PENALTY [1.-3.]—Dead-ball foul, offside. Five yards from the succeeding spot. [S18]
