Just after the snap

[Durham]

Can a DLman swipe the ball after the center starts the snap and force a fumble? Is it legal in Fed? Look for support either way.

[Cobra]

Yes, it is legal but it would be extremely hard for it to occur. If it happened it would probably be encroachment on the defense or a snap infraction.

[MRH]

It is NOT legal in NFHS. Either a snap infraction has occured or it is encroachment.

Some will consider UC if it is encroachment and it happens more than once!

[With_Two_Flakes]

No idea what would be the Fed equivalent reference, but for NCAA, Rule 2-23-1-f states

If the ball is touched by Team B during a legal snap, the ball remains dead and Team B is penalised.
If the ball is touched by Team B during an illegal snap, the ball remains dead and Team A is penalised.

[Durham]

Thanks. Anyone know a fed ruling?

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Durham

Thanks. Anyone know a fed ruling?

There is no NFHS ruling or rule against such as the NCAA has. If a defender can pull it off without encroaching, it would be legal, if the snap was legal.

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by MRH

It is NOT legal in NFHS. Either a snap infraction has occured or it is encroachment.

No...it could happen though it is not likely.

[HLin NC]

Aw jeez, not this again.

[Durham]

I did not intend to begin a philosophical debate on the issue, I just could not find a rules reference either way. I know how things work on the field, but I was just looking for something in Fed Speak.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Durham

Can a DLman swipe the ball after the center starts the snap and force a fumble?

CANADIAN RULING:

Legal. Team B can move as soon as the snap begins.

However, we have a 1-yard neutral zone, so this is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do.