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Originally posted by BulldogMcC [list[*]A replaced player, attempting to get off the field but is still on the field when the ball is snapped is a Liveball foul for IS. If he thereafter participates in the play, it becomes IP, but if the 12th guy does not get off the field (around here that is behind the wing and we are not always toes on the sideline but close thereto) the opponents of that player will be given the option to take 5 yards from the previous spot and repeat the down or take the result of the play.[/list][/B]
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I like the mechanic of helping the kid out. If a kid is sprinting towards my sideline, and I'm not crowded by receivers, I'll walk towards the ball slowly to let the kid get behind me. If he's behind me at the snap, he gets away with it. We are there to make the game safe and fair--not to be the legal eagles of football.
But I'm interested in the mechanics for an IP. Say on 4th and 3 B thinks A is punting and subs in the punt return team. When B realizes A isn't going to punt tries to sub back in the regular defense. During the mass substitution BJ, LJ and HL fail to get a count. A fails to reach the line to gain. After the play is over, the HL counts 12 on the field (all participated). I say HL throws the flag for IP.
How would you do the mechanics on this one? Blow the play dead before the snap and make sure there aren't more than 11? Flag immediately then wave it off if the count is ok? Or just wait to get an accurate count before doing anything?
Safety and fairness are an issue here. IP can be painful--but I don't think any reasonable coach would argue with a late flag for 12 on the field.