Can someone explain (sorry, very basic question)

[HLin NC]

Haven't we had this argument before this fall?

[SamG]

Originally Posted by maven

That's a foul for false start because the lineman has simulated the snap. Teams that look to the sideline for the play have to be careful not to jerk up in their shifting, or they risk being flagged for FS.

The shifting you saw Louisville do involved backs (including receivers lined up off the line of scrimmage) and ends only. But by rule all 11 on offense are permitted to shift, and to do so as often as they wish within the limits of the play clock.

Before snapping the ball (or 1 player legally going in motion just before the snap), all 11 must be perfectly still for 1 second.

Thank you maven & JRutledge.

To those of you poking fun or griping that "you've already discussed this", I lurk here a lot. I try to increase my knowledge of the rules. How many times have I heard gripes about fans not knowing the rules? Or people don't respect what an official does? So here's a fan, willingly admitting he doesn't know the rules and wants to learn, asking what I thought was a simple question. I'm sorry I so interrupted your day.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by SamG

Thank you maven & JRutledge.

To those of you poking fun or griping that "you've already discussed this", I lurk here a lot. I try to increase my knowledge of the rules. How many times have I heard gripes about fans not knowing the rules? Or people don't respect what an official does? So here's a fan, willingly admitting he doesn't know the rules and wants to learn, asking what I thought was a simple question. I'm sorry I so interrupted your day.

I do not think the comment was directed at you. The comments was directed at a certain coach that likes to stir up trouble every time we discuss rule he has never had to enforce. And yes we did discuss this before this year and many times before. Your question was reasonable and clearly looking for some understanding. All I was trying to do was clarify to the uninformed why this is not called. Some of us do this on a regular basis and others (not talking about you) like to gripe about things they do not have the heart to do themselves.

Thanks for your question.

Peace

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by SamG

To those of you poking fun or griping that "you've already discussed this", I lurk here a lot. I try to increase my knowledge of the rules. How many times have I heard gripes about fans not knowing the rules? Or people don't respect what an official does? So here's a fan, willingly admitting he doesn't know the rules and wants to learn, asking what I thought was a simple question. I'm sorry I so interrupted your day.

Sam, HLinNC was referring to the comments by bigjohn who says he's a coach but really wants to be an official. He wasn't referring to you.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by SamG

Thanks for the answer. I guess what throws me off is when you see (generally) a lineman "flinch", and the flag is thrown.

If the "flinch" - sudden movement - most officials would rule that as simulating a snap. Which is why the flag gets thrown.

[SamG]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not think the comment was directed at you. The comments was directed at a certain coach that likes to stir up trouble every time we discuss rule he has never had to enforce. And yes we did discuss this before this year and many times before. Your question was reasonable and clearly looking for some understanding. All I was trying to do was clarify to the uninformed why this is not called. Some of us do this on a regular basis and others (not talking about you) like to gripe about things they do not have the heart to do themselves.

Thanks for your question.

Peace

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

If the "flinch" - sudden movement - most officials would rule that as simulating a snap. Which is why the flag gets thrown.

Thank you both.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by SamG

Just a fan, not a coach, parent (of a football player), or official.

Offense breaks huddle and goes to the line. They look like they're set, then, almost as 1, multiple players (sometimes linemen?), stand up and look to the sideline to see if the coach wants to audible. How is this not a false start?

Also, watching Sugar Bowl last night... Louisville on offense, breaks huddle, gets to the line, appears to be set, then multiple players would shift, everyone sets again, and they hike. How is this not a false start or too many in motion?

I'm sure my understanding of the rule is not right, but hoping someone can set me straight.

thanks

CANADIAN RULING:

Illegal if any lineman is already in a 3- or 4-point stance. Illegal snapdown if they're not in an attempt to draw the defense offside. Legal otherwise.