Quote:
Originally posted by JimNayzium
NF: i have read about the where's the tee in the casebook on this forum only. I realize my knowledge of the casebook should be better, however, as a coach, with only a NF rulebook handy, what rule specifically makes any action by the offense to create a situation that the snap is not imminent illegal. I am not questioning everyone's expertise on this subject, i have just always read the rule book only , not the casebook. Where in the NF rulebook can I deduce that a play like this would be illegal. Again i am not questioning i just want to know?
The specific play I am referring to would be a quarterback trying to draw a team offsides and then acting like he is walking to his bench to call timeout. when the defense jumps and celebrates the fact they have not jumped offsides the offense hikes the ball to the fullback.
i realize now i have a "Where's the Tee" type situation, but where in the NF rulebook makes this illegal? thanks.
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Unfortunately, Coach, you won't find a rule that specifically makes these actions illegal. In fact, you won't even find a rule that clearly alludes to the ruling. The applicable rule is 9-5-1, "No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner ..." Although the act in question is not listed in the examples a-h, that list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Within the Case Book, you will find the interpretation of the Federation Rules Committee that such acts are unsportsmanlike.
So, for your benefit, I quote:
"
9.5.1 SITUATION D: From a field goal formation, potential kicker yells, "Where's the tee", A2 replies, "I'll go get it" and goes legally in motion toward his team's side-line. Ball is snapped to A1 who throws a touchdown pass to A2.
Ruling: Unsportsmanlike conduct prior to the snap.
"
Comment: Football has been and always will be a game of deception and trickery involving multiple shifts, unusual formations and creative plays. However, actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is problem [sic] and a snap isn't imminent is beyond the scope of sportsmanship and is illegal."
Oh, and one other thing, Coach, let me quote from the Coaches Code of Ethics: "
The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team members. The coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules."
"...spirit or letter of the rules," Coach. There's your guidance. And you
can find that in the rulebook.