The NFHS has a Rule Book and a Case Book, together they explain all the rules.
As it pertains to a False Start, below are the relevant rules and case book plays. Note: "A" or "K" is always offense, and "B" or "R" is always defense in the NFHS books.
Rule 7.1.7
After the ball is ready for play and before the snap begins, no false start shall be made by any A player. It is a false start if:
a. A shift or feigned charge simulates action at the snap.
b. Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach.
c. Any A player on his line between the snapper and the player on the end of his line, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground, moves his hand(s) or makes any quick movement.
Case Book 7.1.7 Situation B
On fourth and four from A's 35-yard line, K comes to the line in a scrimmage formation. After calling a few signals, A1 says "shift." All 11 players then make a movement. Some players move to a new position for a scrimmage-kick formation, while four interior linemen remain in place and move from a hands-on-thighs position to an upright position and finally to a three-point stance. RULING: This could be ruled a false start if the covering official(s) determine that it was designed to cause B to encroach. In judging the offensive team's intent, the game officials should consider whether players move to a new position, the speed and abruptness of movement, down and distance and if any player pretends to have the ball or otherwise simulate action at the snap with the start of a play.
My OPINION: To me this is quite simple. All these plays that cause so much conflict are clearly intended to cause the defense to encroach. Per the Rule, they should be called a false start. Not that difficult to enforce.
I've always struggled to understand why IHSA steps in and provides interpretation on something that doesn't need interpretation. All they've done is cause confusion and conflict.
IHSA puts the burden on the defense to not be fooled by this clear intent by the offense, which by rule should be illegal. This could so easily be put to bed if we just called it per the rule.
Thoughts?
As it pertains to a False Start, below are the relevant rules and case book plays. Note: "A" or "K" is always offense, and "B" or "R" is always defense in the NFHS books.
Rule 7.1.7
After the ball is ready for play and before the snap begins, no false start shall be made by any A player. It is a false start if:
a. A shift or feigned charge simulates action at the snap.
b. Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach.
c. Any A player on his line between the snapper and the player on the end of his line, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground, moves his hand(s) or makes any quick movement.
Case Book 7.1.7 Situation B
On fourth and four from A's 35-yard line, K comes to the line in a scrimmage formation. After calling a few signals, A1 says "shift." All 11 players then make a movement. Some players move to a new position for a scrimmage-kick formation, while four interior linemen remain in place and move from a hands-on-thighs position to an upright position and finally to a three-point stance. RULING: This could be ruled a false start if the covering official(s) determine that it was designed to cause B to encroach. In judging the offensive team's intent, the game officials should consider whether players move to a new position, the speed and abruptness of movement, down and distance and if any player pretends to have the ball or otherwise simulate action at the snap with the start of a play.
My OPINION: To me this is quite simple. All these plays that cause so much conflict are clearly intended to cause the defense to encroach. Per the Rule, they should be called a false start. Not that difficult to enforce.
I've always struggled to understand why IHSA steps in and provides interpretation on something that doesn't need interpretation. All they've done is cause confusion and conflict.
IHSA puts the burden on the defense to not be fooled by this clear intent by the offense, which by rule should be illegal. This could so easily be put to bed if we just called it per the rule.
Thoughts?
