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Home>Team Sports>Football>Football Penalties
Last updated: Feb 09, 2023
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A tripping penalty in football occurs when a player deliberately trips a player on the opposing team.This is dangerous as it can cause serious injury. Most of the time, this penalty is called on offensive lineman while blocking, although a trip can be caused by almost any player. The penalty is also not limited to when the ball is in play.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Result
- Penalty Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Penalties To Tripping
- FAQ
Definition
Tripping is an uncommon penalty in American football and is usually reserved for flagrant violations.To have this called, anyone on the field must trip one of their opponents. This foul can occur during a play as well as after. While tripping usually happens to someone who does not have the ball, the penalty also applies to the runner.
Sometimes, tripping occurs when a member of the sideline trips a player who is involved with the play. This foul is classified as unnecessary roughness and not a trip. A trip is only applied to players eligible and on the field.
Injury can be caused by tripping because the contact is usually bone on bone. Most players who deliberately trip an opponent do so as a form of a block.It is an effective play in terms of not allowing someone to catch the ball carrier, but it is highly illegal and dangerous. The main danger of a trip is that you might not only injure the player who gets tripped, but they may fall onto the legs of another player or yourself, causing harm to more than one player.
Sometimes, a trip can be the result of someone either forgetting to block their assigned player or getting overpowered.This type of move is a last resort to stop the player nearby from making a big play. In some scenarios, this is a good penalty to take because it can save a potentially disastrous play for your team. Sometimes you would rather take a ten-yard penalty than give up a fumble or touchdownbecause of your mistake.
Result
The result of a tripping penalty is ten yards.If this foul is called on the defense, the penalty also grants the offense an automatic first down. This can be costly, especially when the defense has almost forced a three and out.
| Penalty | NFL | NCAA | High School | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripping | 10 Yards, Automatic 1st Down | 10 Yards, Automatic 1st Down | 10 Yards, Automatic 1st Down | 10 Yards, Automatic 1st Down |
Penalty Signal
The signal for a tripping penalty is fairly simple. The referee will cross their legs to signal the motion of a trip.They will then point with an outstretched arm to the side of the offending team. They may also implement a first down signal if the penalty was called on the defense.
Examples
- An offensive lineman tripping a defender in order to block them
- A defensive back tripping a wide receiver in order to cut their route short
- A coach on the sideline tripping a special teams member on a kick return
Similar Penalties To Tripping
- Offensive Holding
- Defensive Holding
- Clipping
- Chop Block
- Blocking Illegal Cut Block
FAQ
What is the tripping penalty in football?
In football, the tripping penalty occurs when one player trips an opposing player on purpose. Such tripping must be between players on opposing teams and can occur anytime during or after the play. This results in an automatic first down as well as a loss of ten yards. Tripping penalties are very uncommon but are in the official rulebook for the NFL, NCAA, CFL, and NFHS (high school football).
What is the penalty for tripping in the NFL?
The penalty for tripping in the NFL is a loss of ten yards for the offending team and an automatic first down for the offense if committed by the defense.Tripping is considered especially dangerous, which is why the penalty is a ten yard loss that could make or break a drive.
Can you trip infootball?
You cannot trip in football, as the action will always be called for a penalty. Tripping is a rarely-called foul that exists in football rulebooks at all levels. If a player trips their opponent at any time during or after a play, they will be called for a tripping penalty, regardless of their location relative to the ball. The penalty for tripping is a loss of first yards plus an automatic first down if it is committed by the defense.
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Pages Related to Football Tripping Penalty
- Football Striking, Kicking, or Kneeing an Opponent Penalty
- Football Unnecessary Roughness Penalty
- Football Use Of Helmet Penalty
- Football Sideline Infraction Penalty
- Football Taunting Penalty
- Football Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty
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