Encroachment (gridiron football)

1. In the NFL encroachment refers to when before the snap, a defensive player illegally crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent or has a clear path to the quarterback. This would be an offside penalty in the NCAA.
2. In High School, encroachment includes any crossing of the neutral zone by the defense, whether contact is made or not. It is similar to offside except when it occurs, the play is not allowed to begin. Like offside violations, the violating team is penalized 5 yards.
3. In the NCAA, an encroachment penalty is called, when there is an offensive player beyond the line of scrimmage after the snapper touching the ball. There is no encroachment for defensive players in college football.