Flag-guarding (offense): 5-yard penalty + loss of down; Illegal contact (offense/defense): 10-yard penalty; Defensive holding / illegal flag pull: 5-yard penalty + automatic first down
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a defensive holding penalty should result in a 10-yard penalty instead of just 5 yards, misunderstanding that IFAF's rule is based on simplifying game flow rather than strictly adhering to NFL standards. The confusion arises because the 5-yard penalty seems too lenient compared to what they expect from similar infractions elsewhere in football.
