Shift

devdog69 · #1 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 10, 2002, 12:01pm

We had this last week and the opposition complained about it but we couldn't find anything wrong.

Team A linesman stay in a two-point stance with hands on knees for 95% of the plays. The only time they go into three point is when they want the defense to jump, they come up go to their normal position and then all at once they all go to a three point and the defense comes pouring in. One one occasion the wideout even went into a three point stance and came up and went in motion on the same signal that sent the lineman to the three point. Is this legal? If not, please give a rule reference.

snrmike · #2 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 10, 2002, 01:39pm

In the last scenario, you mentioned that the linemen went down in a 3-point at the same time the WR went in motion.

That is a classic case of an illegal shift, if everyone didn't come to a complete stop for at least one second before the snap.

Also, if the actions of the linemen simulate a snap (in your esteemed opinion), it's a false start.

nvfoa15 · #3 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 10, 2002, 01:47pm

devdog69;

1. 7-1-7b: False start "Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach." If you believe that the movemment from a 2 point stance to a three point stance was intended to draw the defense offsides then it is a false start on the offense. Rule 7-1-8 states that "If a false start causes B to encroach, only the false start is penalized.
I guess that you probably saw this on a 4th and short situation.

2. Illegal shift 7-2-6.