RuleChanges/Points of Emphasis for 2004

[KWH]

Originally posted by SWFLguy
The Federation could do us all a huge favor and give officials
a lot of lattitude in flagging those "trick plays" with 3rd or 4th
and short yardage that are obviously designed to draw the
defense into an encroachment penalty for a cheap 1st down.
We have to make a lot of judgement calls out there during a game.
Why not clearly write a rule that gives us the right to flag
ANY actions in those situations--- then back it up in the
points of emphasis, and have state associations be crystal
clear to the coaches that such "trick" plays will not be
part of the game.If I could have one wish this Christmas--
that would be it !

NFHS Rule 7-1-7b
Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach.

A simple interpretation; If A commits any of the acts (we have all seen them) AND it causes B to encroach, Flag it! Flase start on the offense. Problem solved.

Case book play 7.1.7 SITUATION A
While it would be nice if the NFHS would add a couple of more common examples, I believe the intent of theif message is clear AND they add the comments at the end which state: These are acts interpreted to cause an opponent to encroach and, therefore, are infractions. It is the intent of the rules to prohibit such acts. Whether or not the action by A1 draws B into the neutral zone should not be a determining factor in ruling a false-start foul.

SWFLguy, I don't think you can get much clearer than that!
They further clarify they don't even care if it draws B or not. They want it called!
Hence I believe you have all the support you need already.

PS: Merry Christmas SWFLguy