[ajmc]

"The NCAA wording is perfect". Sorry, nothing is ever "perfect", which may be part of the reason the NFHS rule makers are struggling to announce their decision regarding this situation.

I'm sure if they wanted to be perfect, they could craft language to cover all possible variations and interpretations (both gramatical as well as practical) that could possibly be considered. The problem is such a solution might make the exception larger than the rest of the rule book, and God only knows how many other rules might be unexpectedly affected by the revised wording. Getting rid of the bath water ALONE, is the general objective.

A simpler remedy might be, to add an exception to NF 7.2.6 providing that; "Whenever the SKF numbering exception (NF: 7.2.5.b) is applied, after a huddle or shift all 11 players of A shall come to an absolute stop and remain stationary simultaneously without movement of hands, feet, head or body for at least 3 seconds before the snap." (As opposed to the current 1 second requirement)

Of course the stationary time requirement could be whatever is deemed necessary to eliminate any perceived unfair advantage "A" might be gaining by manipulating the numbering exception to confuse the defense by preventing them from understanding or reacting to "A's" formation.

Anytime "A" elected to use a SK formation, they would be required to remain stationary for that "extended" time frame, which would also require that they be in formation quicker so as to avoid conflicting with the existing DOG parameters.

This would allow: (1) the numbering exception, and all it is intended to accomplish to remain unchanged,
(2)deminish the perceived advantage of unfairly confusing B and depriving them them sufficient time to digest the A formation and identify eligibles,
(3) Allow the essence of the A-11 offense to continue (still subject to rigid enforcement of formation, shift and motion rules),
(4) establish a consistent pattern to enable field officials to recognize eligible receivers
(5) Avoid a whole lot of additional unnecessary (rule related) confusion.