Along this same thread...

[PSU213]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
Another big rules misconception, by officials too! I can't tell you how many times I've heard an official say "you broke the huddle with 12 coach." I just don't get it.

...or how may times coaches say "they broke the huddle with 12. We got flagged for that last Friday" (key word being 'Friday'-- and not in TX or MA).

Therein lies the problem though. You have to be clear the breaking that huddle with 12 is NOT a foul or some officials will call it, some will not.

Back to the original quetion--if the 12th man does not leave "immediately" or A lines up with 12, etc., flag this for illegal substitution. First, its better to "hit" the team with 5 dead balls yards than 15 live ball yards (and it probably brings back a TD too--it just seems to work like that). Plus, the rule is pretty clear: if the replaced player does not leave "immediately" it is illegal substitution...penalize them for that.

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
I don't do NCAA but is breaking the huddle apply to both offense and defense?

REPLY: snake-eyes...no, the NCAA rule specifically says, "Team A may not break its huddle with 12 or more players."