"Wrong ball" play makes it to Pee-Wee ball

[Canfootball52]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

In the Great White North, we call it Misleading Tactics.

It's 5 yards and sadly, we have to let the play happen, then bring it back to negate the TD/gain.

Here is the ruling from our local Referee-In-Chief, and the VP of Training and Development for Football Canada.

"Although it appears as misleading tactics, the only thing wrong was that the ball was not snapped appropriately. Once the ball is snapped the play was on. there was no tactic prior to the ball being snapped to mislead the opponents. If ball snapped legally the play would be okay."

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Canfootball52

Here is the ruling from our local Referee-In-Chief, and the VP of Training and Development for Football Canada.

"Although it appears as misleading tactics, the only thing wrong was that the ball was not snapped appropriately. Once the ball is snapped the play was on. there was no tactic prior to the ball being snapped to mislead the opponents. If ball snapped legally the play would be okay."

• 1-11-2d
  • The use of tactics to deceive opponents such as the alleged need for equipment such as a tee, mouthguard, etc; or the pretense of calling players toward the bench as if a time out had been called, is illegal.
  • Penalty: 1.2D = L5, DR; 3D DG = L5, DR; 3D DNG = LB PBD.

A tactic was clearly used to deceive the opponents. Since DG because a TD was scored, we're going back 5 from the PLS, DR.

You are correct that I should be careful of the term "misleading tactic" because the book has a definition of Misleading Tactics in 4-2-2, of which none of that text applies here.

You are also correct that 4-2-1 was violated: the method in which the snap must take place. I believe that this is illegal procedure and should be blown dead immediately, much like an offensive lineman breaking a 3- or 4-point stance.

To say that a misleading tactic wasn't used, is rubbish. You can see the defense relaxing when the loud "wrong ball" comment was voiced. Team A clearly used a tactic to mislead the defense. Although it is not Misleading Tactics as defined in 4-2-2, it is a misleading tactic. (Note non-capitalization.)

Bottom line is this is not appropriate Canadian football and it will be penalized. If I had a vote, I would kill the play right away and not let A make a travesty of the game.

Team B players know that A must snap the ball between the centre's legs. When they see the "snap" that does not go between the centre's leg, imho, it is not their fault that they think a play is not imminent. When the play does start to develop, and the yelling of "wrong ball", A has clearly made a travesty of the game.

[OverAndBack]

there was no tactic prior to the ball being snapped to mislead the opponents

Other than, you know, the whole "Hey, this is the wrong ball" thing.

Was it the wrong ball? No? Then it was a falsehood, right? That's a ruse, a cunning attempt to trick.

[Mike L]

For us it's no different than a "where's the tee" play. Shut it down, USC against the head coach. Mark it off and move along.
With any luck, during the discussion before the game with the coach about "unusual plays" he might mention this travesty so you can tell him it ain't gonna happen.