Holding (American football)

In gridiron football, holding is the illegal restraining of another player who is not in possession of the ball. Holding is banned in most football leagues because it does not allow fair play of the game and increases the risk for injury.

While in the field of play, offensive holding results in a 10-yard penalty, or half the distance to the goal line when there are fewer than 20 yards between the line of scrimmage and the offense's end zone. If the act of holding is committed from within the offense's own end zone, the result is a safety. It is one of the most common penalties in American football.

In the NFL, when holding is committed by the defense, the penalty is 5 yards and an automatic first down.

The following is quoted directly from the NCAA 2015 Rules and Interpretations document available online here.

ARTICLE 3.

a. Use of Hands

b. Holding

c. Kicking Team

d. Passing Team

ARTICLE 4.

a. Defensive players may use hands and arms to push, pull, ward off or lift offensive players:

b. A defensive player legally may use his hands or arms to ward off or block an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball (Rule 9-1-5, Exceptions 3 and 4 and Rule 9-3-6, Exceptions 3 and 5):

c. When making no attempt to get at the ball or the runner, defensive players must comply with Article 3, paragraphs a and b above. d. Defensive players may not use hands and arms to tackle, hold or otherwise illegally obstruct an opponent other than a runner. e. Defensive players may ward off or legally block an eligible pass receiver until that player occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent could not possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal (A.R. 9-3-5-I). PENALTY [c-e]—10 or 15 yards [S38, S42, S43 or S45].

The following is quoted directly from the NFL 2015 OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE document available online here.

It is defensive holding if a player grasps an eligible offensive player (or his jersey) with his hands, or extends an arm or arms to cut off or encircle him. See 12-1-6. Penalty: For holding by the defense: Loss of five yards and automatic first down. Note: Any offensive player who pretends to possess the ball, and/or one to whom a teammate pretends to give the ball, may be tackled until he crosses the line of scrimmage between the offensive tackles of a normal tight offensive line.

If the quarterback or the receiver of the snap demonstrates no further intention to pass the ball (i.e., hands off or pitches the ball to another player, throws a forward or backward pass, loses possession of the ball by a muff that touches the ground or a fumble, or if he is tackled) the restrictions on the defensive team prohibiting illegal contact, or an illegal cut block, against an eligible receiver will end, and a defensive player is permitted to use his hands, arms, or body to push, pull, or ward off an offensive receiver, pursuant to Rule 12, Section 1, Article 5. If the quarterback leaves the pocket area with the ball in his possession, the restrictions on illegal contact and an illegal cut block both end, but the restriction on defensive holding remains in effect. If a team presents an apparent punting formation, defensive acts that normally constitute illegal contact (chuck beyond five yards, etc.) are permitted, provided that the acts do not constitute defensive holding.

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