Quote:
"So, since all pre-snap requirements for team A were met, I don't see anything illegal unless, as I said, there was some sort of purposely misleading verbal input from A's sideline. The fact that this play was successful so many times suggests some pretty poor coaching by the defensive team."
I have never worked NF and, effectively, know nothing of NF rules, so I don't usually comment on NF stuff. But, from what I've seen above, this appears to parallel NCAA in that it doesn't matter if they meet the technical requirements of the scrimmage rules. Their INTENT is to deceive Team B by use of the substitution process. In NCAA, the rulesmakers and interpreters have consistently and firmly ruled such action to be unsportsmanlike, and illegal.
Fortunately, in NCAA, we have the "match up" requirement, and, when we see someone come off the sideline and A is moving to, or at, their LOS, we simply don't let them snap until B has had an opportunity to match up. Team B may not have noticed the A sub slip onto the field, but WE HAVE TO. And, when we do, we get the U or C on the ball to prevent the snap. That clues B to check the field, and then they can get matched up. That takes all the fun out of it for A, and they stop doing it.
But even before we had the "match up" requirement, the rules and interpreters, as I mentioned, have held such action to be illegal. Back then, we had to let them snap the ball to get a foul, or any intervention. But, we would catch them, most of the time. Had somebody attempt a hideout on us once. F got it. Not related to subs, but UNS nonetheless, with his team at the LOS, had a QB start walking toward his sideline yelling, waving his arms, and acting like he didn't get the play. Then they snapped to the fullback, who ran for good yardage. I got 'em for UNS. (Fully supported by my coord and the National Coord.)
The rulesmakers want teams to play straight up. That doesn't mean they can't use slight-of-hand with the ball, or directional deception, etc. Boise made a name for themselves doing just that (all legal, and ethical). But to deceive opponents with subs, equipment, or other pre-snap trickery is just plain UNS.
Someone mentioned above that a "one off" incident might be overlooked as being purely unintentional. In the absence of "match up" rules, I buy that philosophy 100%. First time it happens, warn 'em (by " 'em", I mean guilty player and his coach). Afterward, nail 'em.
Enjoy the day!
Robert