Some actions that are defined as pass interference may be overlooked if the defender is attempting to catch or bat the ball rather than focusing on the receiver.
[citation needed] Rules for pass interference differ between American and Canadian football: In the NFL, the defender may make continuous contact with the receiver within the first five yards of the line of scrimmage.
[citation needed] In certain situations a defensive player deliberately commits pass interference against an intended receiver who would surely make a huge gain or score a touchdown were he to catch the ball.
This is especially true in NCAA and amateur Canadian football, where the penalty for pass interference that occurs more than 15 yards upfield is less severe than under professional rules.
In U.S. high school, if the covering official deems the interference intentional rather than incidental, 15 additional yards may be assessed (although this is seldom called).