Today's Tidbit... Changes In Pass Interference Penalties

(1950 Atlantic Gas Football Radio TV Schedule)

Football legalized the forward pass in 1906, and an earlier Tidbit covered how the game lacked a pass interference penalty until 1908. Pass interference entered the game in 1908 as part of the illegal use of hands foul, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty when committed by the offense and a 5-yard penalty when called on the defense. By 1910, the rule makers modified the rule so that pass interference by the offense resulted in a loss of a down and a 10-yard penalty when called on the defense.

As the forward passing game developed and became a more consistent threat, defenders began intentionally interfering with potential receivers when they were beaten on a play, figuring that taking a penalty was better than giving up a long gain or a touchdown. Many viewed the intentional interference as poor sportsmanship, but the tactic continued in use, so the rule-makers increased the penalty to 15 yards in 1916.

By the following year, they deemed even that penalty inadequate and made defensive pass interference a spot foul, giving the offense the ball at the spot of the foul. Defensive pass interference in the end zone resulted in spotting the ball at the 1-yard line. Walter Camp provided the rationale for the change as follows: