Illegal substitution question

[mikesears]

Originally posted by mbcrowder
I am curious if there is an NCAA rule similar to the one you describe outlawing the "Where's the Tee" play (which would seem to outlaw the play I described as well). I can't find one, but it's a big book.

In answer to the question about the center. He wasn't standing sideways. He was lined up facing the line, but not centered on the ball - the ball was still between his feet, but closer to his right foot. He picked it up and handed it smoothly to the QB to his right.

Rule 7-1-1:
The snapper may be over the ball but his feet must be BEHIND the neutral zone and no part of his person, other than hand(s) on the ball, may be beyond the foremost point of the ball.


IF any part of his body (except hand(s) on ball) was over the nose of the ball, it is illegal (encroachment). I imagine his helmet probably crossed over the nose of the ball. If the ball was between his feet, it was illegal (encroachment).

Originally posted by mbcrowder
Another question - if the whole play had been handled with no communications to the sideline (no - "Coach the ball is wet!" dialog), would it be legal in NF. Center hands (snaps to the side) the ball to QB, and no one else moves. QB walks behind his linemen casually. Would that be illegal in NF under the rule you sited?

Provided all other criteria are met and everything else is legal (players set, center properly positioned, etc), then I so no problem with it. I believe what makes the "wet ball" play illegal is the verbiage.


[Edited by mikesears on Sep 17th, 2003 at 08:41 AM]