Illegal Substitution Clarification
Just a quick question for clarification--
NFHS Rules
A is on offense
B is on defense
B has 11 on field when Ready-for-Play [RFP] is whistled
A breaks huddle, & B realizes they don't have correct personnel on field.
B45 runs in from sideline, to replace B37. B37 begins to leave immediately, such that the pass each other at about the 9-yd mark.
No problem with either B45 or B37 being on the correct side of the neutral zone [NZ] they are.
B45 takes his spot in the formation before the snap and B37 is off-field on correct side of field and in team box when A snaps ball.
Do we have anything here for illegal substitution. One crew member thought that you could not substitute "when the snap was imminent".
I have done some checking with NFHS 2006 Football Rules by Topic; the 2006 NFHS Rules Book; and the 2006 NFHS Case Book. I find:
3-7-1 in the Rules Book that says ...Between downs any number of eligible substitutes may replace players. Replaced players shall leave the field immediately.
I think this covers it, and says no foul. I didn't see any attempt to deceive and they don't have an inside the 9-yd mark requirement on defense...
My take is "keep playing no foul for illegal substitution."
Anybody got any other take on this one?
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