What happens if a team attempts to consume time illegally?

When a team attempts to consume time illegally, it is typically because they are violating a rule designed to keep the game flowing, such as failing to snap the ball in a timely manner after a stoppage or holding the ball to run out the clock. In such cases, the proper ruling is that a penalty is assessed against the offending team.

The clock does not stop immediately upon the illegal act; rather, it continues to run until the play is officially dead or a timeout is called. After the penalty is enforced, the game clock will start again with the next snap. This ruling ensures that teams cannot manipulate the game clock unlawfully without consequence.

Understanding this ruling helps teams and coaches manage the game legally while remaining aware of the game's pacing governed by the rules.