I have one of my proposed rule changes for this scenario. I don't really care if it gets passed or not, so this is at the bottom of the list of proposals I have. But I figured I'd bring it out since it's relevant to the discussion:
3-4-2 The clock shall start with the ready-for-play signal on a down beginning with a snap if the clock was stopped for any reason other than specified in Rule 3-4-3 or an untimed down:
d. If Team A fouls while spiking the ball under rule 7-5-2e-Exception, the clock shall always start on the ready-for-play signal.
3-4-3 The clock shall start with the snap or when any free kick is touched, other than first touching by K, if the clock was stopped because:
e. A legal or illegal forward pass is incomplete, unless 3-4-2d applies.
Rationale:
When the offense is spiking the ball, their main objective is to stop the clock to conserve time. I believe this should be executed by the offense free of foul to get the full benefit of the rule. Currently, if Team A is in an illegal formation, illegally in motion, or illegally shifting when they spike the ball, they would be penalized 5 yards, but the clock would start on the snap. This would enable them to run another play or send their field goal team onto the field without the fear of the half ending before they can snap the ball. They have effectively accomplished their goal of stopping the clock even though they did something illegal to do it.
With this rule change proposal, the clock would start on the ready for play signal and effectively neutralize the offense’s advantage in this situation.