[waltjp]

From Redding (Pg 104) -

Unfair Acts

Unfair acts may include sideline personnel or others subject to the rules interfering with the ball or a player during play, acts which make a travesty of the game, repeated half-the-distance fouls to prevent a score or other deliberated delays, or any other such act not specifically covered by the rules. The referee has broad authority to enforce any equitable penalty, including awarding a score, for unfair acts. He may also declare a forfeit for repeated delays (9-9 Pen).

(clipped)

Football has traditionally been a game of deception and trickery. There is both legal deception, e.g., faking a kick, and illegal deception e.g., hiding a ball under a jersey. Also, multiple shifts, unusual formations and creative plays are accepted practices. However, actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and a snap is not imminent, are not legal. This includes pretending to have a problem with the play that has been called, an equipment problem with a shoe, the ball or kicking tee, etc. and feigning an injury. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if an act appears to be unfair, it probably is contrary to the rules.



(Emphasis added)