c. Defensive pass interference is contact beyond the neutral zone by a Team B player whose intent to impede an eligible opponent is obvious and could prevent the opponent the opportunity of receiving a catchable forward pass. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable. Defensive pass interference occurs only after a legal forward pass is thrown.
PENALTY—Team A’s ball at the spot of the foul, automatic first down, if the foul occurs fewer than 10 yards beyond the previous spot. If the foul occurs 10 or more yards beyond the previous spot, Team A’s ball, automatic first down, Ten yards from the previous spot [S27]. (Note: illegal contact by the defense prior to a legal forward pass is thrown is illegal contact—see 9-4-2.)
When the ball is snapped on or inside the Team B 13-yard line and outside the Team B three-yard line, and the spot of the foul is on or inside the three-yard line, the penalty from the previous spot shall place the ball at the three-yard line, automatic first down.
No penalty enforced from outside the three-yard line may place the ball inside the three-yard line (Exception: On the Try when the snap is on or inside the three-yard line).
If the previous spot was on or inside the three-yard line, first down halfway between the previous spot and the goal line.
