I play for a flag football team in the UK, its too late to complain now but we lost the national finals on Sunday to a "trick" play in overtime, can anyone comment upon wether it is legal or not.

First play of overtime offense comes oton the field 10 men go into the huddle play is called offence then brakes from huddle, an 11th man then (slyly)steps onto the field as a reciever with no corner on him and cactches a TD!!!!! Does he need to report onto the field or check in with thye huddle.

Thanks

If that occurred in a game played under NFHS or NCAA rules it would be illegal.

NF rules require the sub to be within 15 yards of the ball when it is snapped.
They further state that the substitution process is used to deceive opponents at or just before the snap, it is a foul.

NCAA requires the sub touch up inside the 9-yard marks before he sets up anywhere else.

Any idea of the rule name or refernce number?

NF: see 3-7-6, 7-2-1, 7-2-6 and 9-6-4. Also see CB play 2.7.2 sit-A

NCAA: see 9-2-2-b, 7-1-3a-2-a an a few ARs on the subject.

If you play NFL type rules, there may be different requirements and I know nothing of that code.

Many thanks

I think the NFL rule is you have to come in as far as the numbers. But don't quote me on that.

Thiesey,
You're close on the rule here but not quite right on. I believe the rule actually says the sub must be within 15 yards of the ball at some point after the ready for play and before the snap. He does not have to be within 15 yards of the ball when it is snapped. NCAA rule looks fine.

Yes, you are correct. I usually forget that little NF detail about being "momentarily" within 15 yards of the ball before the ball is snapped.