[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by DJ_NV

I disagree, but to an extent. In NFHS, 9-5-1-d clearly states that disconcerting acts as well as words by Team B that are an attempt to interfere with A's signals or movements are considered Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

Now, from a practical standpoint, I think that B should be given a lot of latitude because A knows the snap count. That being said, part of being on defense is to try to time the snap count to gain an advantage. Getting up to the line and stomping and rushing the line is acceptable to me but I will only tolerate so much. If it is a constant act by the same team and they are clearly not watching the ball, then I will utilize some preventive officiating and tell them to knock it off. I think I've only thrown a flag on this once and it was after repeated warnings. It was just obnoxious and needed to be stopped as their actions were well outside the scope of what is sportsmanlike.
As with most things like this, the flag should be a last resort, and while others might disagree with me, I do interpret the rule to include acts such as these and therefore their actions certainly could be considered illegal by rule.

So you are going to tell a team to knock off going to the line to fake a blitz? You are reading a little too much into the rule you just quoted. No where is it illegal for a defense to rush the line? The casebook even allows for the defense to give loud signals and says that the official has to determine if the action is purposely done to disconcert. I would not consider rushing the line and stomping as disconcerting when the offense knows what they count is.

Peace