Out coaching the rules

[dumbref]

During the pre-game conference with the coach, he mentioned that he runs a spread offense from the shot gun and the RB starts motion (sideways) just before the snap. He said he had been called for illegal motion several times and it should not have been. It was a coached and a legal technique. I told him - no problem as long as his actions didn’t simulate the snap.

First few plays, he was correct. Just before the snap, the RB made a very deliberate move (sideways) toward the QB (in gun), either handed to or faked to RB – no problem. Then the coach began to run motion – yeah the RB moves in the same manner – nailed him for illegal shift. Then they aliened with two RB’s on either side of the QB and they both moved in the same manner prior to the snap. I suppose I didn’t consider all the possibilities of running quick motion in pre-game!

The other problem I have seen in the spread is the RB taking a skip-hop in place (not toward the LOS) just before the snap. It’s not so obvious or jerky (in my opinion) that it simulates the snap but could be considered by many, illegal motion. Since the back can go in motion, I justify it as late motion. I think the only consideration is whether it was a false start (again, my opinion). I am just curious to know if other officials are seeing the same type things and how tightly you are calling it.