So you think to yourself, Venus, WHAT ON EARTH DO ALL THOSE HAND MOTIONS MEAN? The refs throw up their arms, wave them around in circles, point different directions like a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tubeman up in this joint.
Well, I'm here to help with this.
Please allow me to proudly introduce the all new...
"I'm so lost, this is dumb, change it to Bravo" series!
Let's first start with how we know a penalty has been committed. The refs will throw this little yellow flag. Wherever the flag has been thrown on the field is where the foul/penalty took place.
This is part one of the post. See, easy right? For the most part, all penalty calls have to do with where you can or cannot touch someone, where you have to stay on the field and how long you can stay there. So many rules, so play nicely boys!

Holding: When a player holds on to the jersey of another player. How would you feel if you just got a super cute new going out top and someone was pulling on it all night trying to keep you from getting away?
Result: 5 yard penalty.
Result: 5 yard penalty.

Penalty: 15 yard penalty.


Offsides: This is a defensive call. A player may not cross the line of scrimmage (aka the blue line on your t.v.--- and no that blue line is not really on the field it is just on your t.v.) before the ball is snapped. Flag is thrown but play continues.
Encroachment: This call is for the defense. When the defense makes contact with an offensive player before the ball is snapped. They are just so excited they can't keep their hands to themselves. Flag is thrown and play actually stops. Refs don't allow any play to continue, this is one of the very few times when they actually do this.
I remember this one because the referee has his hands on his hips and I can picture him tapping his foot like my mom would do if she told me not to move until she said so, but then I move anyway. The refs are annoyed because their kids on the field are acting out of line. Just picture the refs shaking their finger too!
Penalty: 5 yard penalty.

False Start: This is an offensive penalty. When I see this I always think the refs motion looks like he should be singing, "The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round." The linemen have to take a set stance. They can't move at all, cant even scratch their nose. The only one who can is the center (if it really itches (hah!)). If anyone else moves one muscle before the ball is snapped, you get the false start call.
Penalty: 5 yard penalty.

Illegal hands to the face: When you intentionally block another player by putting your hands on their face or neck. I mean, think about what happens on Jerry Springer when someone puts their hands in someone elses face. They get the crap beat outta them or a chair thrown in their direction. In an effort to keep flying chairs off their field, the NFL has decided to penalize this type of behavior.
Penalty: 5 yard penalty

Apparently, the guy committing the facemask penalty heard that the guy with the ball was talking crap about his outfit he wore last week to Alex's party.
"Did you see his shoes, terrible decision with that plaid shirt."
"Whachu sayy guuurl? Don't no one talk bad about me behind my back and get away with it!"
Penalty: unintentional- 5 yards
intentional- 15 yards.
So that is just a sampling of hand motions, I'll be back another week with more for you. I don't want to overwhelm you before football season even starts!!
Now, let's #backthatazzup with Whitney with this gem made for me.
No, really, Jaz-Z made it for me. He is so sweet. XOXO Jay, say hi to B and Blue Ivy for me!
Can't wait to see that little rascal again very soon!

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