Illegal motion or shift?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by ajmc

If the Defense bites, I'll flag the offense and that sequence will not be repeated. If the defense doesn't bite, I'll decide whether to flag the offense or whisper in the back's ear, after the play, that if he draws the defense into the NZ, I'm going to flag him. Usually that also stops that sequence from being repeated.

More rule inventions from the King of Rule Inventions. Sigh...

You should be ruling on whether the RB's actions are simulating a snap. Period. Defense's actions or reactions to this are completely immaterial. Defense is not required to risk committing a penalty to get a penalty called on the offense for an illegal act. IF he's simulating a snap - he's illegal. Blow it dead and walk 5 regardless of whether the defense jumps. If he's NOT simulating a snap, he's legal - if the defense jumps, it's 5 on the defense.

There is no rule in either ruleset about a back drawing the defense into the NZ.