Is it true?

[rwest]

Originally Posted by bkdow

Lined up in the neutral zone becomes a dead ball at the snap. Crossing into the neutral zone prior to the snap becomes a dead ball immediately.

My sideline last night thought the Nose Tackle was over the line on every play, however they couldn't get the correct angle because I was there on the correct angle. My HL and I talked about it on every time out and it was close but they were crying foul all night.

The angle is very, very important!

So you have to snap the ball to get offsides if the defense lines up in the neutral but it's an immediate dead ball if they MOVE into the neutral zone even if they don't contact an offensive player?

[bkdow]

yes, in High School, that's correct.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by bkdow

yes, in High School, that's correct.

I'm shocked that the fans didn't know the rules. Shocked, I tell you! One of the guys we asked is a Lacrosse Coach. Surely he would know the rules! Again, I'm shocked!

Thanks!

[ppaltice]

Originally Posted by rwest

So you have to snap the ball to get offsides if the defense lines up in the neutral but it's an immediate dead ball if they MOVE into the neutral zone even if they don't contact an offensive player?

It is a dead-ball encroachment in both cases. Rule 7-1-6: Following the ready for play and after the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball, encroachment ocurs if any other player breaks the plane of the neutral zone.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by ppaltice

It is a dead-ball encroachment in both cases. Rule 7-1-6: Following the ready for play and after the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball, encroachment ocurs if any other player breaks the plane of the neutral zone.

Which is exactly not the same as lining up in the neutral zone.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Which is exactly not the same as lining up in the neutral zone.

Prior to the ready for play signal, if the Defensive Tackle is lined up in the neutral zone and does not move, is it encroachment once the ready for play has been signaled AND the center has placed their hands on the ball?

[bkdow]

I want to know if there is any official out there that calls this exactly by the book at any level? This is where I see it (a lot), DB or WR wanders from their huddle, Center is already on the ball and but the QB is not under center as he is waiting for the receivers to get into position. At least 10-15 times a night one of the two players wanders across the neutral zone and then backs up into position.

Are you telling me that you would kill the play and penalize 5 yards?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by rwest

Prior to the ready for play signal, if the Defensive Tackle is lined up in the neutral zone and does not move, is it encroachment once the ready for play has been signaled AND the center has placed their hands on the ball?

Already answered, but no. Lined up in the NZ is a foul at the snap.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Already answered, but no. Lined up in the NZ is a foul at the snap.

Quite technically it is a foul immediately, not at the snap but few officials will call it that way (which is a good thing).

[cmathews]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Quite technically it is a foul immediately, not at the snap but few officials will call it that way (which is a good thing).

it is a foul when it happens, not at the snap, and why would you wait for the snap to call it??? assuming you would call it at the snap, I understand that if it isn't big it may not be called...but if it is big enough to call, why on earth would you wait for the snap???

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Quite technically it is a foul immediately, not at the snap but few officials will call it that way (which is a good thing).

Well, we all know I don't call FED, but I was basing what I said on what had been said multiple times here when this question comes up. I thought the interp was that crossing INTO the NZ after the snapper and QB are ready is an immediate foul ... but if they are already there when the snapper and QB are ready, they can still back up before the snap. Thought that was the actual rule, not just the way it's called.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Already answered, but no. Lined up in the NZ is a foul at the snap.

You are playing NCAA rules in Texas...NFHS rule say this is a dead ball foul.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

You are playing NCAA rules in Texas...NFHS rule say this is a dead ball foul.

I know what my rules state... I thought I was answering as others have before regarding the FED rule (in fact, one before me DID answer that way). Apparently, the rule as given to me here before is wrong, although the interp isn't.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by rwest

Prior to the ready for play signal, if the Defensive Tackle is lined up in the neutral zone and does not move, is it encroachment once the ready for play has been signaled AND the center has placed their hands on the ball?

Before the ball is ready for play, there is no neutral zone. If teams have been lining up without a huddle, it's not uncommon for them to start lining up before the ball is ready for play, in which case they may not see where the neutral zone is going to be, so they have a chance to get onside once the ball is spotted. Otherwise, it's common after the ball is RFP for players to be transiently in or on the wrong side of the neutral zone when they enter via substitution, or, if team A has been snapping quickly, still returning after the previous play.

I don't know whether the current Fed mechanic in the case of players returning to their side is to delay the RFP until they're back. If so, then the last case I mentioned above should not occur. Officials then have to decide whether their delay is within the bounds allowed or a delay of game foul by the lagging player.