Tight End illegal shift/ False Start

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by BigGref
Friday Night. 4th and 3, K sets up for the punt. The end, set as a back, takes a step forward (close, but in my judgement didn't feign a snap) and reset. Even though no Defensive player came offsides, the defense was very livid at the no call. Is there anything here, or is the whole argument based on whether or not the End feigned a snap?

REPLY: Do you think he missed the snap count and came forward as a result? If so, you should have a false start. If you think he was just moving--slowly and smoothly--to a new position, the only concern is whether he was able to set for one second before the snap. If so, you have no foul; if not, you'll have a flag simultaneous with the snap for an illegal shift if he stops but not for the full second, or for illegal motion if he's still moving forward at the snap.