QB Shift OK or Illegal Procedure??

[BoBo]

The quaterback comes up under center then realized he was suppose to in the shotgun formation. He has already put his hands under center for the snap then shifts to a shotgun position.

1. Is this a legal shift?

2. Is this legal as long as he does not influence the defense with his shift?

3. Once he has committed does he have stay under center?

4. QB under center but raises to call timeout, generally not called a penalty!?!?

Had it happen Friday only once and the defense never reacted so we let it slide once. Told QB if was going to shift to keeps hands on center butt as not to influence defense.

Comments??

[Bill D]

1. Yes
2. Yes, key is that the movements must not simulate the start of a play. Strictly speaking whether the defense reacts or not is not determinative of whether there is a false start.
3. No
4. Not a penalty. The key is the QB's movements must be such that he does not simulate the start of a play and hence be a false start. The QB is the same as any other back, he may shift, go in motion, etc. He just must do it a fashion which does not simulate the start of a play.