Actually, that is a legal move, though it depends on the league rules. But the teams were lined up as appropriate and the ball was snapped.
The main thing that would be an issue is how the ball was snapped. Here the center stood up and handed the ball back to the quarterback. I don't think that's a legal snap in the NFL. Probably not college, either.
But a side snap - where the center hikes the ball to his side rather than through his legs - is legal in a lot of areas.
Something else that makes this a legal play is that the refs started play but never stopped it once the ball was picked up. No whistle blown means the play is live, the ball is live, and someone better tackle that kid.
It's something that would only ever work in a junior league or maybe high school. Otherwise, once the ball is moved from center the defense goes after it until they hear a whistle. Sometimes even after that. 😉
Posted by Tah on Mon Jul 30, 2007 at 01:05 AM
Reminds me of M*A*S*H* (the flic, that is).
Posted by outeast on Mon Jul 30, 2007 at 03:51 AM
It's completely legal, but considering the age of the kids playing it could be considered poor sportsmanship. There's a youtube video of it being executed at the high school level:
Posted by Chris Carlisle on Tue Jul 31, 2007 at 10:32 AM
No, that's not a legal play. It was up until a couple of years ago. Such "verbal deception" plays were made illegal when the NFHS rules committee got sick of dealing with each new one that came along. What makes it illegal is the quarterback communicating deceptively to the sideline. If they had just snapped the ball and not said anything, it would be legal - but it probably wouldn't work. I don't have my rule book handy, so I can't give you the rule reference, but I am a high school football referee and crew chief.
Posted by Ref on Tue Jul 31, 2007 at 12:45 PM
The rule cited above is 9.9.3 (U.S. high school football rules). The comment in the case book is, "Actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and a snap isn't imminent is beyond the scope of sportsmanship and is illegal." It is a 15 yard unsportsmanlike foul and the ball remains dead.
Posted by ref on Wed Aug 01, 2007 at 08:27 AM
I would note that there is nothing that was done before the "snap" to make the defense believe that is was not imminent. While the verbal action certainly violates the section that re: meant to confuse the defense into believing "that something is wrong", it occurred before the snap and, therefore, would not violate the second part after the "and". Bad sportsmanship and probably bad draftsmanship on the rule or comment but it doesn't violate the one cited.
Posted by Wallace on Thu Aug 23, 2007 at 01:42 PM
ROFL! Anyways that is legal..
Posted by Footballer on Thu Feb 07, 2008 at 11:43 AM
It is absolutely legal! But not fair!...
Posted by English Premier League News on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:55 AM
It is not legal how he snapped the ball at least by the NCAA interpretation of a valid snap since the ball was lifted and not leaving teh ground in a continuing quick motion. Now if he like hiked the ball to his side from the ground and the player was like coach the ball is flat or something than it would be a valid snap and not covered by the unsportmanship rule.
Since the ball is in play. It would be like a wideout when the ball is hike just standing there and asking the CB if he heard a whistle, there must have been a false start, and then take off running when the CB is confused.
Lol that was funny. Well it is legal , but i dont think kids should be doing that.
Posted by manchester united website on Sat Feb 14, 2009 at 01:31 AM
i believe this play to be illegal as the people citing a rule about verbal deception it is and unsportsmanlike conduct the same as if a defensive player yells out hut numerous time to confuse the offense would lke someone to post the ull rule that stated it
Posted by brian on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Why do people who know nothing about the rules make comments. This play is clearly illegal as it is meant to give the indication that the snap is not imminent.
Posted by HS Ref on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 12:33 PM
I really don't know that this is legal or illegal.
Posted by bodylift on Tue Mar 22, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Impressive video you have provided over here well i would like add for us it's really decided whether the move is ok or not because where are not aware of the rules..
Posted by GPS fleet on Thu Apr 21, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Impressive video you have shared over here it's really an funny i can't control out my laugh throughout the entire video..
Posted by Sell my car on Sat May 14, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Here I have seen this video and Its such an awesome,As per my view it is legal , but I don't think kids should be doing that.The Information in this video is beneficial to many people.
Posted by Lipo on Wed Jun 22, 2011 at 07:39 AM
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Comments
The main thing that would be an issue is how the ball was snapped. Here the center stood up and handed the ball back to the quarterback. I don't think that's a legal snap in the NFL. Probably not college, either.
But a side snap - where the center hikes the ball to his side rather than through his legs - is legal in a lot of areas.
Something else that makes this a legal play is that the refs started play but never stopped it once the ball was picked up. No whistle blown means the play is live, the ball is live, and someone better tackle that kid.
It's something that would only ever work in a junior league or maybe high school. Otherwise, once the ball is moved from center the defense goes after it until they hear a whistle. Sometimes even after that. 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hpOnoD_LEQ
Since the ball is in play. It would be like a wideout when the ball is hike just standing there and asking the CB if he heard a whistle, there must have been a false start, and then take off running when the CB is confused.
http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828c-c2d26b95e6c1.pdf