USA Football Rules Editor Bill LeMonnier is a former college referee who currently serves as an ESPN NCAA rules analyst. Click here to ask Bill a question. Make sure to put “Ask the Official” in the subject line.

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On a running play, the ball-carrier cuts back across the grain and is running for a touchdown. Another player from his team throws a block away from the play, the official rules the block unnecessary and throws a flag.  Where is the penalty enforced from if the runner is 20 yards ahead of the foul?

A holding or illegal block penalty beyond the line of scrimmage is marked from the spot of the foul. So bring the play back to where the flag was dropped and mark it for 10 yards.

If the ball is placed down beyond the chains, it’s a first down. Otherwise, replay the down.