What occurs if a team fails to put the ball in play within the given time?

When a team fails to put the ball in play within the allotted time, a penalty is assessed against that team. This is typically a delay of game penalty, which indicates that the offense was unable to snap the ball or initiate the play within the designated time frame. As a result, the team may lose yardage, often resulting in a five-yard penalty.

This rule is in place to ensure that the game progresses in an orderly fashion and to maintain the pace of play. The enforcement of such penalties discourages teams from stalling or delaying the game unduly, promoting a more efficient and engaging experience for players and spectators alike.