Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Goodman
No, but it did exist within the past 32 years. 1980 7-1-2:
"After the ball is ready-for-play and before the snap, no false start shall be made by any A player. A false start includes.... It is also a false start if any player on the line between the snapper and the player on the end of the line, after having placed a hand on or near the ground, moves his hand or makes any quick movement unless the movement is caused by an irregularity such as calling players off the line for receiving a new signal or B stepping into the neutral zone too soon. If the false start...."
I don't know when they took it out of there if they have, but since that was only 29 seasons ago, it's within the past 32.
I don't see what application B's stepping into the NZ had, considering that under the rules at the time (and still), the encroachment would've killed the RFP anyway. They probably forgot to make a conforming change some time previous, before that was a foul that killed the RFP.
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Robert-
Thanks for your correction and historical update!
Of further interesting note, the NFHS eliminated "Offside" during scrimmage downs in 1976 and during free kicks in 1977. Therefore, in 1980,
"the irregularity of B stepping into the neutral zone too soon" should have been met with a encroachment flag against B, rather than any type of
"wave off or do-over" flag for a false start by A.
All things considered, after reading up on this obscure, defunct, exception; and then subseqently putting away a large glass of Makers Mark, I should sleep much better tonight...