"Upon Further Review"

                TECHNICAL NOTE:  For those not aware, when viewing these videos in the YouTube window, you can adjust the resolution for a sharper view.  Notice in the lower right hand corner of the video player window a setting such as "240p".  Click on that and you can adjust the setting up to 360p, 480p or even 720p in some cases.  This will give you a sharper image.

      Last week's video clips included a video of a play where the defense may have been attempting to draw the offense into a false start.  53% of the respondents judged it to be a defensive foul while 47% said it was not.  One comment received was:  "I was the crew chief in this game, and this was not their normal method of shifting stationary players on the LOS. The LJ threw the flag and I supported it. Although we had a long discussion after the game about what "normal player movement" really  is. "   There is a similar situation in this week's video clips but it is handled/announced differently (and incorrectly).

            Running Into the Kicker and "Scrimmage Kick Formation"    When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, players cannot run into or rough a kicker (9-1-16-a).  A "scrimmage kick" includes a punt (2-16-7-a).  Whether or not the punt is made from  a scrimmage kick formation is immaterial to judging whether or not the kicker was fouled.  A kicker receives protection "when it is reasonably obvious that a kick will be made (AR 9-1-16-III).   Please view the video and then take the poll that follows.  (Crews may also want to look at  0:42 to 0:49 in the video, A11's towel sure doesn't look as if it is solid white and only a foot in length (1-4-6-a).)

            Illegal "Stemming"   This foul announcement is an example of  a R devising new language in an attempt to more clearly describe the fouls which are being penalized rather than using the generic language from the rule book.  In many cases this is due to conference policy or supervisor's directives to Rs to use the microphone  in a manner to more fully explain what is happening and why.  In this case, the language may actually cause confusion.  Furthermore, the foul is incorrectly signaled.  The rules specifically prohibit defensive players aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage from  making quick or abrupt actions that are not a part of normal defensive player movement (7-1-5-a-4 and 3-4-2-b-5).   A defensive player who violates this rule commits a delay of game foul and signal 21 should be used to signal this foul. 
 

          Lineman in Motion   Although some coaches, players, and fans believe ends can be in motion at the snap, 7-1-4-b-2 prohibits this.  A player who goes in motion from a position legally on the line of scrimmage commits a foul unless he comes to a complete stop while in the position of a back.  In this play, the design was likely to have the player stop in the backfield and after he stopped, the ball would be snapped.  The timing was off and the ball was snapped before he could stop, therefore, Team A fouled. 

         Trick Play   This play is another example of a team attempting to deceive the defense into thinking the snap is not imminent and then running a quick play to take advantage of the defense's lack of readiness.  Officials are reminded of this language from Rogers Redding's Study Guide:  "Actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing the  snap is not imminent, are not legal. This includes pretending to have a problem with the play that has been called, an equipment problem with a shoe, the ball, etc. and feigning an injury. A good rule of  thumb to follow is that if an act appears to be unfair, it is probably contrary to the rules."  This foul is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.  Additionally, the formation here is illegal since all linemen are not legally positioned on the line of scrimmage with their shoulders approximately parallel to the line (2-27-4-a-2 and 7-1-4-a-2). 

        Late Substitution Attempt    This is an example of a crew properly handling an attempt by Team A to rush to the line of scrimmage following a timeout in hopes of gaining an advantage over the defense.  The U prevents the snap.  Despite the broadcaster's comments, we CANNOT permit the offense to do things like this.  The F is also commended for immediately assuming the "iron cross" when Team A runs out.

        False Start or Illegal Motion ?  A situation that is handled very differently from game to game is the one where a running back who is in motion turns up field before the snap or a stationary running back starts leaning forward just prior to the snap.  Many officials will call both of these acts "illegal motion" and allow the play to continue since that is a live ball foul.  In reality, these are most often more correctly judged to be "false starts", dead ball fouls which should cause all action to be shut down.  Officials are reminded of 7-1-2-b-1 which says a false start includes "Any movement by one or more players that simulates the start of the play."  The following plays are examples of this situation.  Viewers should judge if each is properly called a false start or illegal motion.  Play 1   Play 2   Play3   Play 4   Play 5 

         Catch !   Another week, another incredible catch.  This one was made despite obvious DPI.