Illegal motion or shift?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

AJMC is allowing the other team to "testify" in the form of spontaneous rxn on the question of whether the RB's action simulated action at the snap. Although that's not in either the current Fed or NCAA rules or interpret'ns, there is a ruling in NFL's book that says just that. It just depends on whether you think that's a good way to get evidence on the question of whether the movement simulated action at the snap. I think it is, and that it satisfies the rule's spirit.

No, it doesn't. There are NO fouls for which Team B must do something to prove Team A fouled. Either they did or they didn't - Team B's degree of "jumpiness" and/or their steadfastness in not moving until the ball is snapped is completely irrelevant as to whether it's a foul or not. Further - what you are suggesting would mean that 2 completely identical movements by the RB would be a foul once, and not a foul later.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

No, it doesn't. There are NO fouls for which Team B must do something to prove Team A fouled. Either they did or they didn't - Team B's degree of "jumpiness" and/or their steadfastness in not moving until the ball is snapped is completely irrelevant as to whether it's a foul or not. Further - what you are suggesting would mean that 2 completely identical movements by the RB would be a foul once, and not a foul later.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm suggesting. And I think there are other factors besides team B's rxn which could determine whether the same action by A1 simulates action at the snap in one case and not another.