its those darn little things

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Canfootball52

You can't call it some of the time and then not call it the rest of the time. If you call it once, then you have to call it all game.
Personally, I would call it. Then I would explain to the center, as well as the coach at halftime, why this is illegal.
If this was something that I was aware of prior to the game, I would discuss the play with the coach in my pre-game. I would let him know that if the center did that, it would be flagged as Illegal Procedure (the Canadian equivalent to a false start). Then hopefully the coach will pass the message to the center, and we will not have any problems during the game. It's amazing the penalties you can prevent in the pre-game with the coaches.

I do not know what they do in Canada, and personally do not care. But the reality in America and at most levels in America, it really might depend on the reaction of the defense. If the defense does not move in many cases, it is not likely going to be called. No different if a running back moves and the defense does not react. Of course this is completely a judgment call and every movement needs to be taken on their own merits. After all this is why we get paid the big bucks. It is all about the judgment of the official's involved. Even if you tell the coach this is possibly not legal, does not mean it will not fit the definition of a false start.

Peace