Legal and Illegal Shifts

[Mike246]

Is a player allowed to shift more than once before the ball is snapped?
If so, must he pause for one second"

Flanker Z goes in motion parallel to LOS (and remains in motion at the snap.)
Simultaneously a running back shifts to the wing and pauses a full second.
Is there anything wrong with this?

Also, what are the rules regarding interior lineman shifting?


Thank you.

[HLin NC]

All 11 players must pause for at least one second after a shift. In your scenario, when the RB shifts, the man in motion must also now pause.

As for interior lineman, yes they may shift.

A shift is the action of one or more offensive players who, after a huddle or after taking set positions, move to a new set position before the ensuing snap.

[Ia-Ref]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

All 11 players must pause for at least one second after a shift. In your scenario, when the RB shifts, the man in motion must also now pause.

As for interior lineman, yes they may shift.

Interior linemen can shift if they did not place a hand on the ground and their action is "slow and deliberate" (FED's words ref. 2008 POE) so it does not simulate action at the snap.

[HLin NC]

linemen can shift if they did not place a hand on the ground and their action is "slow and deliberate" (FED's words ref. 2008 POE) so it does not simulate action at the snap.

I am aware of that. Just thought it best to answer a simple question with a simple answer.