Ready for play vs. snapper touching the ball (NF please)

[Middleman]

The Referee must take care not to give either team an advantage by the timing of his ready for play. If he is too quick the offense may be deprived of a legitimate opportunity to put the ball in play, thus giving the defense an advantage. On the other hand, if he delays long enough for the offense to be set and therefore get off a play they would not otherwise been able to, then he is giving them an advantage.

With everyone in the hurryup mode, offense and defense alike, the umpire should stand over the ball only if there is a need to delay the ready - such as the chains being moved. The referee should then signal him away and blow the ready whistle promptly after the umpire has moved out of the way. This is especially important with only a few seconds remaining. It is an art to do this right, and it takes practice. Referees and Umpires who have been at it a while can make it look simple. Those who botch it up will have one coach or the other following them off the field (and probably a few fans, too!).

The snapper may touch the ball prior to the ready, and the offense may come set for the required one second prior to the ready.