False start or motion?

[Bob M.]

REPLY: CO ump...I'm with you on this one. If he missed the count and simulated the start of a play, it's a false start. That's the way it's called in college and in the NFL. As a friend of mine who works in the NFL always says, "Nothing good can come from letting that play go."

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Bob M.

REPLY: CO ump...I'm with you on this one. If he missed the count and simulated the start of a play, it's a false start. That's the way it's called in college and in the NFL. As a friend of mine who works in the NFL always says, "Nothing good can come from letting that play go."

I agree as well. It clearly simulates action at the snap. I just can't buy the argument that it's a shift or motion.

[MadCityRef]

Was the RB in a 3-point stance when moved, and does that make a difference?

[glyphrunner]

Here's my take on it:

1. HB makes a quick step to the side and stops: false start.
2. HB makes a quick step to the side and continues to go in motion parallel to the LOS after a very very brief pause: illegal shift.
3. HB makes a quick step forward: false start.
4. HB makes a quick step forward and corrects himself to going parallel LOS: false start.

In 1, 3, and 4, the HB is presumed to have missed the snap count.
In 2, though, this is a very common way for a lot of teams up here to go into motion. We see it on a weekly basis, especially in 9-man games, from nearly every back. Very sharp, crisp, quick moves to begin their motion.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by glyphrunner

Here's my take on it:

1. HB makes a quick step to the side and continues to go in motion parallel to the LOS after a very very brief pause: illegal shift.

.

Why would this be an illegal shift? Unless there was another player moving at the time of action, it would not be an illegal shift at all.

Peace

[MJT]

Originally Posted by Bob M.

REPLY: CO ump...I'm with you on this one. If he missed the count and simulated the start of a play, it's a false start. That's the way it's called in college and in the NFL. As a friend of mine who works in the NFL always says, "Nothing good can come from letting that play go."

I totally agree with Bob's post. This is what we are told in my college conference and what I have heard at clinics from NCAA and NFL officials.