False Start

[Mad Mike]

Question: Is it a false start if a player between the snapper and a player on the end of his line, after having placed his hand(s) on or near the ground, moves his hand(s) or makes any quick movement?

We had a difference of opinion on the crew because our wings said as long as the snapper had not yet placed his hands on the ball any interior lineman could reset himself and not incur a penalty. I think they were referencing NFHS Rule 7.1.6 which states, "Following the ready-for-play and after the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball, encroachment occurs if any other player breaks the plane of the neutral zone.

I think that interpretation is fine for encroachment. However, what we are talking about here is a false start, which is slightly different.

I believe that if the lineman are dumb enough to get into a three point stance before they have to, that they are committed to staying in that stance regardless of whether the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball.

Am I correct in this view? 

[FBUmp]

You are correct, although I've never seen it called.

Restrictions on the offense with regards to a false start begin when the RFP whistle is blown.

The rule you quoted is correct for encroachment only.

[maven]

Question: Is it a false start if a player between the snapper and a player on the end of his line, after having placed his hand(s) on or near the ground, moves his hand(s) or makes any quick movement?

Yes. NFHS 7-1-7c

[SCHSref]

Unless I am mistaken, if the offense makes any deliberate movement that is intended to get the defense to encroach and they do, it is a false start.  For instance, on 4th and 1, the offense lines up and the QB gives a hard snap count which involves a head bob.  The defense jumps.  Penalty: false start

[maven]

Unless I am mistaken, if the offense makes any deliberate movement that is intended to get the defense to encroach and they do, it is a false start.  For instance, on 4th and 1, the offense lines up and the QB gives a hard snap count which involves a head bob.  The defense jumps.  Penalty: false start

I think you mean 'encroaches'.

[FLAHL]

The defense doesn't have to encroach.  In the example above the QB bobs his head during a hard count.  That's a false start whether the defense encroaches or not.  If we don't call the foul because the defense doesn't encroach, how can we call it later, when B does encroach?  In that case, A did the exact same thing twice, and one is a foul and one isn't.  That'll get us in trouble.

[TampaSteve]

Mike:
By the book, you are correct.
Of course consider the level of competition too when opting to flag this.
i.e. peewee ball where the kids cannot tie their shoes, let alone line up correctly - perhaps a bit of leeway.

[SCHSref]

I think you mean 'encroaches'.

Oh boy...I think you knew what I meant