NFL Football Operations Menu

NFL Video Rulebook

The NFL Video Rulebook explains NFL rules with video examples.

NFL Video Rulebook

View Official Rulebook
Rule 12 Section 2 Article 10

Use of the Helmet

Rule Summary View Official Rule

USE OF THE HELMET

It is a foul if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.

Penalty: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.

Additional Rules

Play Clock

  • Rule 4 Section 6

Kickoff Rules

  • Rule 6 Sections 1-2

Scoring Plays

  • Rule 11 Sections 1-5

Safety

  • Rule 11 Section 5

Forward Pass

  • Rule 8 Section 1

Backward Pass

  • Rule 8 Section 7

Ineligible Receiver

  • Rule 8 Section 1 Article 6

Fumbling in the End Zone

  • Rule 8 Section 7 Article 3

Down by Contact

  • Rule 7 Section 2 Article 1

Roughing the Passer

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 11

Completing a Catch

  • Rule 8 Section 1 Articles 3-4

Non-Football Act Fouls

  • Rule 12 Section 3

Facemask

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 15

Fair Catch

  • Rule 10 Section 2

Clipping

  • Rule 3 Section 6

Illegal Formation

  • Rule 7 Section 5 Article 1

Illegal Motion

  • Rule 7 Section 4 Article 8

Illegal Shift

  • Rule 7 Section 4 Article 7

Defensive Pass Interference

  • Rule 8 Section 5

Offensive Pass Interference

  • Rule 8 Section 5

Offensive Holding

  • Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Illegal Contact

  • Rule 8 Section 4 Articles 1-4

Defensive Holding

  • Rule 12 Section 1 Article 6

Horse Collar

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 16

Chop Block

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 5

Low Block

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 4

Illegal Use of Hands / Facemask

  • Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Pre-Snap Fouls

  • Rule 3 Section 4 Article 2

Neutral Zone Infraction

  • Rule 7 Section 4 Article 4

Illegal Block Above the Waist

  • Rule 12 Section 1 Article 3

Defenseless Player

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 9

Illegal Peel Back Block

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 2

Roughing or Running Into the Kicker

  • Rule 12 Section 2 Article 12

Intentional Grounding

  • Rule 8 Section 2

Back to Top

NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.

© 2023 National Football League. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy NFL.com

Español