Man in Motion - Mind Check
 

Ok...so the first game cobwebs are out of the way and I just want clarification from the experts that I was correct here.

JV game, I was the HL, visitors sideline. Visitors ran a basic formation, QB under center, two backs, opposite WR lined up OFF. my receiver lined up ON. Everyone was set, about two seconds before the snap, my receiver (ON the line) turns and starts in motion parallel to the line. Snap goes, flag goes. Illlegal motion.

I tell the coach: "Coach, your wide out was on the LOS and can't go in motion unless he establishes himself as a back for one second...but remember if you do that, you have to have 7 on the line".

Sure enough..next series, same formation. My wideout dilligently steps into the backfield (now the 5th guy). Sets for one second and then goes in motion.

Snap goes...flag goes.........Coach goes "HE DID EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID TO DO"

You don't see this very often...a man on the line going in motion...I like bring up the rare ones to make sure I got them right.

Sounds like you got it to me.

Now check me: If a player who starts on the line goes in motion, he has to be five yards behind the LOS at the snap.

Right?

First flag was illegal motion.

Second was illegal formation as when he stepped into the backfield and set, he gave his team five backs, right?

OverandBack that is correct. I looked the rule up after I posted and we are all correct. :D

Career Games: Football 28, Basketball 44.
Career Inadvertent Whistles: 2

OverandBack, why on earth are you tracking career IW. Bury them and learn from them. That's like saying, "times that I've looked like an idiot in front of my crew, 22 players, 6 coaches, and a number of fans --- 2."

Tell you what - you live your life, I'll live mine.

I have learned from them. But I haven't buried them.