ARTICLE 2. During: 1) a running play; 2) prior to a legal or illegal pass (forward or backward) being thrown; or 3) during a kick play while the ball is in flight – defensive players may not use hands or arms to restrict, hold, displace, or otherwise illegally obstruct an opponent.
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot, automatic first down. (Note: illegal contact by the defense after a legal forward pass is thrown is pass interference—see 7-4-8c.) [S33]
