Two players in Motion

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by grantsrc

I think that is erroneous. If you read the case book from this year, section 7.2.6, it appears that this is an illegal shift. Read play B and C.


7.2.6 SITUATION B:

Backs A1 and A2 simultaneously move to new backfield positions prior to the snap. In less than one second after both are stationary: (a) A3 goes in motion and is in motion at the snap; or (b) the ball is snapped. RULING: Illegal shift in both (a) and (b). Following a huddle or a shift, all 11 players of A must come to a complete stop and must remain stationary simultaneously for at least one second before the snap or before a player goes in motion. (2-39)

7.2.6 SITUATION C: After A has been set for more than one second, back A1 goes in motion. While A1 is in motion, back A2 takes one step forward and then resets. A1 is still in motion when the ball is snapped two seconds after A2 reset. RULING: Illegal shift. A2’s movement was a shift and the failure of the entire team to set for at least one second after the shift and before the snap is a foul at the snap. (2-39)

REPLY: But grant...in both 7.2.6 case plays, the words are clear that one of the players STOPPED (i.e. shifted). The cited play (which I recognize) has two scenarios: (b) which matches the two 7.2.6 case plays in that one of the players STOPPED; and also (a) where both players continue in motion through the snap. (a) does not match the case plays you quoted...but (b) does.

I stand by my assertion that in the play that bigjohn cited, scenario (a) results in illegal motion, and (b) results in an illegal shift