REPLY: I like what many of the other posters have said. I'll add one...
Get rid of 7-1-7b ("Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach.")as a criteria for determining a false start. 7-1-7a and 7-1-7c are more than adequate for objectively determining whether or not a false start has occurred. 7-1-7b adds subjectivity and mindreading into the equation.
I know some will disagree, but I've heard officials use this reason for calling a false start when the QB uses a hard count, or when Team A goes on the second count in a 3-and-short situation near the end of the game when they had been going on the first count all night prior to that. Same for when a team whose linemen have been going from a two point stance in punting situations throughout the game, now go smoothly to a three point stance late in the game and the defense reacts.
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Bob M.
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