Why "Encroachment" when it's NOT enroachment : 6-1-3bc PEN

[bossman72]

I've never had a PA announcer get it right when I signal Illegal Formation.  They always announce it as a False Start.

I always thought that Illegal Formation needs its own unique signal

[Kevin Durst]

Maybe some other old timers can help me out with this. When I started officiating back in medieval days there was a rule that R had to have at least 5 players between the 50 and 45 ( for normal kickoffs).  If one of those players backed up behind the 45 before the kick didn't we flag that as a dead ball encroachment. I know that's not directly comparable but it kind of establishes a precedent

I remember that.  In fact, I mentioned it the other night in our new officials training class when we were discussing the kickoff requirements for this year.

[HLinNC]

We were still doing it when I started.

[bama_stripes]

I always thought that Illegal Formation needs its own unique signal

I agree.  What would you suggest?

[Atlanta Blue]

[Rulesman]

Band director?

Oh wait... wrong thread!