Is there an echo on this web site?
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In reviewing the rule and bulletin play:
3-5-2-b
Team B is allowed to briefly retain more than 11 players on the field to anticipate the offensive formation, but
it may not have more than 11 players in its formation if the snap is imminent. Whether the snap is imminent or has just occurred, the officials shall stop the action.
PENALTY—
Dead-ball foul. Five yards at the succeeding spot.
Play 10 2011 Bulletin 2
Team B has 12 players on the field but they are not in any sense “in the formation” as the team tries to make adjustments. The twelfth player is racing to get off the field and is near the sideline when the ball is snapped. RULING:
Live-ball foul for illegal substitution. Five-yard penalty at the previous spot. Treating this as a dead-ball foul could disadvantage the offense and they must be allowed the option to decline the penalty.
Is it valid to conclude that the penalty enforcement (dead- vs live-ball foul) hinges on whether Team B is in formation or just milling around?