What happens during a dead ball foul?

During a dead ball foul, play stops and a penalty is assessed. This is because a dead ball foul occurs after the play has ended and before the next snap. When a dead ball foul takes place, officials will signal to halt the game to address the infraction. Subsequently, the appropriate penalty is enforced based on the severity and nature of the foul, which can affect the next series of downs or the overall play situation. This ensures that the game is kept fair and within the established rules, allowing the opposing team to benefit from the infraction.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of dead ball fouls. With option A, the game cannot continue without interruption, as the officials must address any infractions before proceeding. Option C incorrectly suggests that only the offending player is removed from the game, while in fact, it is the team that is penalized, not necessarily resulting in ejection. Option D implies that only yardage is enforced without a penalty, which misrepresents the rule, as a penalty is an inherent part of the response to a dead ball foul.