Center movement

Refburn · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 01, 2003, 03:38pm

I have a question, how much movement do you allow on a center when he is snapping to a QB in a shot-gun (less than 7 yards back).
I saw a championship game this week where the center had his head between his legs looking back as the team was set and QB calling signals. He then brought his head up abruptly looking forward then snapped the ball (not a continuous motion). It was really obvious and stood out seeing that much movement before the snap along the line. Also many times it happened as the QB lifted his leg really high to signal a player to go in motion. There was never a false start or motion called.

I have coaches routinely chirping in my ear for the smallest butt wiggle wanting a flag.
Am I missing something here?

JasonTX · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 01, 2003, 05:44pm

Did he simulate the start of the snap or make a movement to try to draw the defense offides? If so then flag it. This is just one of those questions we would have to see the play to give a definite answer.

Snake~eyes · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 01, 2003, 06:58pm

If it makes you jump then you have to flag it. I think if you see the defense moving because of it then you should flag it. But like Jason said, this is one of those we have to see it.

Bob M. · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 02, 2003, 10:26am

REPLY: It's pretty much an accepted movement for the QB to lift his leg to begin motion or to indicate that he is ready for the snap. Unless he jerks it upward in an obvious attempt to draw the defense, I'd recommend you let it go.

monsignor · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Dec 03, 2003, 12:29pm

Is the game your refering to the Freeport/Wm.Floyd. If so the center has been doing that for 10 weeks with no flags thrown on him.

Refburn · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Dec 03, 2003, 12:32pm

Yup, that's the one! What do you think? Am I just being picky?

monsignor · #7 (**permalink**) Thu Dec 04, 2003, 03:34pm

I was the WH on the game and the defense never reacted to the movement and the offense did not gain an advantage. No harm no foul.

SWFLguy · #8 (**permalink**) Thu Dec 04, 2003, 07:13pm

Everyone do yourself a favor and the next time
you watch an NFL or D-1 college game on TV-- pay
close attention to the center---err--- snapper.
Technically almost all of them on most plays break the
rules on snapping. The defense is keying on other
cues from other players so that they seldom jump
across the neutral zone because the center pushes
the ball forward before snapping, or moves his head
up or down. If the umpire was a worshiper of the
golden cloth, he could probably toss it every other
play, especially on long snaps for the shotgun or punts.
Keep the flag in your pocket or waistband and let the
guys play ball ! Save it for the holds at the point of
attack, or the unsportsmanlike acts.
Just my humble opinion after 34 years of officiating.

Snake~eyes · #9 (**permalink**) Thu Dec 04, 2003, 11:07pm

I have to agree with you totally. Watch an NFL game and watch the center move the ball, pick it up blah blah blah. This is one of those things you let go.

seanireland · #10 (**permalink**) Fri Dec 05, 2003, 03:10pm

Thanks. I'll keep these points in mind next season. Each year has been a learning experience. This is one of those questions that i'm afraid to ask because it almost seems obvious. The unfair advantage part is something i learn more and more about out on the field watching and reading here. Thanks for helping me become better through your experiences.