During pre-game conference with the HC of the visiting team last Friday night, when asked if he had any plays we might need to know about that might catch us by surprise, he told me that their running backs would go in motion for several steps, then come to a stop behind the QB. Quote, "We're tryin' to get them to jump offside."
I kept my composure, but I wanted to SCREAM. Where do these guys get these ideas? This is PRECISELY what the (NCAA) rules committee is trying to get stopped, with the Point of Emphasis regarding abrupt movements by EITHER team. The rules committee has ALWAYS wanted a good clean snap, without any sort of pre-snap fouls, especially deliberately caused by either team. For a very long time, the rules have made such pre-snap abrupt movements by either team to be fouls, with or without reaction by the opponent. But it seems to have become fashionable by defensive teams, in particular, to try to cause their opponent to commit a false start. More recently, the offensive teams are trying to cause the defense to react and jump offside. I don't know where these guys get these ideas that these tactics are legal.
We certainly should have been making these FST and DOD calls for a very long time, now. But, they hadn't become deliberate until relatively recently (like, increasingly, in the past 10 years). So the Committee reminded the teams (the ones that can and will read the rules) and us that these actions are fouls, and they will be called. Thankfully, I believe it is working. I have seen several instances of DOD getting called for those abrupt defensive line movements (in NCAA). The coaches looked perplexed and indignant. Too bad. Yes, that is illegal, coach. Get over it, and stop doing it.
So, I calmly explained to the visiting head coach that going in motion is fine, as long as the first step is smooth and not abrupt. After demonstrations by him, and counter-demonstrations by me, I think he finally figured out that he wasn't going to get away with what he was trying to do. Not an issue during the game, by either team.
To those that have this coach this week, and all following, you are welcome. Please continue the vigilance, and make them move smooth - nothing abrupt.
Thank you.
