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False Start

Definition

It is a False Start if the ball has been placed ready for play, and, prior to the snap, an offensive player who has assumed a set position charges or moves in such a way as to simulate the start of a play, or if an offensive player who is in motion makes a sudden movement toward the line of scrimmage. Any quick abrupt movement by a single offensive player, or by several offensive players in unison, which simulates the start of the snap, is a false start. Exceptions: This does not apply to an offensive player under the center who turns his head or shoulders, unless the movement is an obvious attempt to draw an opponent offside.

Outcome

Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage. The foul is enforced prior to the snap.

2012 Stats

Overall Totals By Team

There was an average of 19.28 False Start penalties per team league wide.

Scroll left and right for additional columns.
 AgainstBeneficiary
NameGamesCountYards LostDismissedHomeAwayCountYards GainedDismissedHomeAway
Arizona16188901082311001211
Atlanta1811550651675097
Baltimore2026129014122110501110
Buffalo1628139091915750312
Carolina16199501271465059
Chicago16251140131216740610
Cincinnati1716801791677079
Cleveland1625125012132512501213
Dallas1628140015132713001314
Denver1712570752914001514
Detroit161990161319870910
Green Bay181781089241190618
Houston182199010111680088
Indianapolis1714700952311401112
Jacksonville16188701171470077
Kansas City16221080121017800710
Oakland16178401161260166
St. Louis162412001591680097
San Diego162210601841678088
Miami161473059211050138
Minnesota17167901153015001515
New England181575011419930910
New Orleans16221100121014690104
N.Y. Giants161470011316800115
N.Y. Jets16167706101365058
Philadelphia1616800792211011012
Pittsburgh1613640582211001111
San Francisco19178501161680097
Seattle1827130015122311401013
Tampa Bay16208801010261290719
Tennessee1618900711942054
Washington1727135011162713301116
Totals2676173024232729061730242290327