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Originally Posted by JRutledge
Again, what is the NFL rule? That is the only way we will get to the bottom of this. Saying that the rules are the same is not enough if you want a real answer. So what does the NFL rule actually say about snaps or even planned fumbles? Because if there is a rule or interpretation that talks about this more than just a hitch in the movement, then that might be your answer. I do not claim to know the NFL rule. And even the hitch in the snap is a judgment call. But I am wondering if there is more to the rule than what was stated. The player that was supposed to get the snap didn't. I am wondering if that has something to do with the call or the rule. But that is a guess.
Peace
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A snap is a backward pass*. The snap must be received by a player who is not on the line at the snap, unless the ball first strikes the ground. If the ball first strikes the ground, or is muffed by an eligible backfield receiver, or quarterback under center, it can be recovered and advanced by any player.
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*NFL defines "pass" so as to include handing the ball. This was the old rule before NCAA defined "handing the ball" separately. Strangely enough, NFL too now has a definition of "handing the ball", but never excluded it from its definition of "pass". Go figure.
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It is not necessary that the snap be between the snapper’s legs, but it must be one quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands of the snapper. The ball must leave or be taken from his hands during this motion.
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So between the bits I've italicized in the passages above, they have exactly the same requirements as the other major American codes: that the ball be sent backwards in one quick, continuous motion of either or both hands, with the ball leaving his hand(s).
The only substantial difference I can see is that NFL's rule, by requiring only that the snap itself be a backwards pass (or handing), rather than having "backwards" as one of the conditions of the ball's motion (along with quick and continuous), could arguably be more permissive, if you could imagine some continuous snapping motion that results in a backward pass (or handing) but is not backwards throughout the motion. Hard to conceive, but I could see that as a byproduct of separating out the "backwards" requirement in a separate article. But still, if the snap is legal by NCAA or Fed standards, it must be by NFL's as well.