Quote:
Originally posted by wisref2
Don't get carried away on this. MOST IMPORTANT, understand the intent of the rule - to prevent deceptive substitutions. Players lined up, you blow the whistle to snap a helmet (which takes two seconds), you blow the ready and the wideouts don't move back inside the marks - that is technically a foul for illegal formation. Are you really going to flag it?
It's encroachment for a defensive player to be in the neutral zone after the ready for play. You see it 20 times a game, have you ever called it? We pass on a hand in slightly in the neutral zone, a small hold away from the ball, etc.
It's just like the old 15 yard rule, which I've probably called twice in 20+ years, except now it's 9 yards from the sideline. Just keep calling it the same and everyone will be fine.
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Wiseref, while I agree with you and Bob M in many of your points, I'm not sure this shouldn't be called rather tight. If a team only has 6 on the LOS, they are gaining no advantage, and tricking no one, but I bet you would flag that one every time. Now if that 7th man is close, you may give him the benefit of doubt and talk to him, just as if the player is within a yard of the 9 yard marks you might do the same, but if you let him stand a yard from the sideline every play he is gaining an advantage already by spreading out the defense more. I know he could start inside the marks and go in motion and at the snap by a yard from the sideline, but that is more difficult for him that to be set way out there and looking back at the ball.
I think we use common sense, but must call this if it happens for the most part. I feel it is different than a receiver who while coming to the LOS goes slightly in the NZ and then gets back, or a lineman who has his head slightly inside the NZ. I agree, no flag on those and talk to them, but I am not so sure on the new 9 yard rule. I would give them a little slack, and talk to them so it doesn't happen again, but if they are not close, I think we need a flag. I guarentee you, if you flag them once and they know why, it will NEVER be a problem again.
Bob M and wiseref, I am interested in what you think of my comments.