Half the distance instead of specified Foul

[APG]

Originally Posted by chuck chopper

(NFL) Just a spectator question. I have seen many times where the offense is deep in their own territory & is called with a penalty. The penalty enforced is only half the distance instead of the yardage specified by rule. Ex-Lets say a 10 yard type (holding), and the scrimmage is on the 15. Why do they not mark the ball on the 5, but instead only penalize 1/2 the distance ?

NFL: By rule, when a penalty enforcement would put the ball closer than half the distance to the goal, the ball penalty is enforced half the distance.

For a 15 yard penalty, inside either 30, you'll go half the distance.
For a 10 yard penalty, inside either 20, you'll go half the distance
For a 5 yard penalty, inside either 10, you'll go half the distance.

There are exceptions to this. Defensive pass interference is a spot foul (unless in the end zone...then ball at the 1). Also, intentional grounding, where the throw is within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage...would be enforced half the distance if applicable...if the throw is more than 10 yards from the LOS, it's enforced from the spot of the foul