Illegal play

[refbuz]

Based on the way that the play is described, The fact that 83 was "left alone" by B is what makes it a foul in my eyes. A is giving the impression that 83 is not going to be part of the play.

Now, if B ignores the "conversation" lines up across from 83 and just gets beat I have nothing, as the ploy obviously did not deceive B.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by wisref2

Sorry Reffing, have to disagree. The rule is intended to prevent such actions. #83 is pretending to not be participating in the play. (insert normal "have to see it" statement here)

A play-action pass uses normal football actions for deception. Standing and talking to a coach is not normal football action and the rule is designed to prevent such tom-foolery. This is football, not theatre club.

But "have to see it" (and in this case hear it too) is not merely a pro forma disclaimer. I could easily imagine the original description as not being of an attempt at that type of deception, and the fact that A83 wound up "all alone" as being because of a defensive lapse.

Robert

[Bob M.]

REPLY: Through 2001, the illegal participation rule prohibited the use of a substitute or replaced player in a pretended substitution. Then someone dreamed up this play where it's a player who is pretending to be subbed for. In 2002...voila...they changed the rule to include players. Regardless of nine-yard marks, even a valid player is prohibited from pretending to be substituted for in order to deceive the defense.

[Jim D]

The NF has been pretty clear over the years that attempts to fool the defense into thinking a player is not a part of the play are illegal. They have talked about and ruled against pretended injuries, fake substitution, hanging out by the sideline, not ready to play (where is the tee, wrong ball) and other similar types of plays that are designed to make the opponent relax or disregard a player.

Obviously they can't think of or list every possible ruse, but this would be among the illegal ploys. 83 would seem to be trying to fool the defense into thinking he's coming off the field so don't they will not be paying attention to him. Call it IP or USC, but call it.