Trick Play

[wwcfoa43]

By the explanation above, that the player huddled and then went to the sideline without make any indications that he was a sub off again, I see no foul here.

In fact, had he substituted off, he would have been guilty of illegal participation since a sub cannot come on, communicate to his team then go off.

[William C]

Let me muddy the waters here.

I saw the replay of the game.
True --it was NOT a mass substitution.
They had 10 in the huddle --and one comes in from the sideline --and one leaves the huddle-(but not going out).
You can see the referee backing up and about the time the player is at the hash marks -- the ref. holds his arm up getting ready for the chop signal -- and by then the player is out of view --- and has to be beyond the 9 yard mark --- and then you see the ref. chop for the ready for play. The LJ is on the line of scrimmage and no player is in front of him. He must be 6-8 yards in the field of play. He never looked back --- and you could not see the player in the picture/play before the snap.
Either the player snuck in behind the LJ or was to his side -- and behind -- and never on the LOS.
The next time you see the player -- the QB has thrown the ball to him.
So -- I am convinced --it was illegal -- if nothing else -- violating the 9 yard rule.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: William...the way you describe it, I would also rule it illegal participation. Two observations:
1. Up until a few years ago, this was technically legal because the rule only applied to using a "substitute" or "replaced player" in a deceptive manner. The team member in William's description is neither--he's a "player." But the rule was changed to also include "players" a few years back.
2. Another good reason for the wing officials to be at the sideline for the snap.