Appearance that snap is not imminent

[Ted T]

Under NFHS rules there is a Case Book interpretation under Unfair Acts which states in part "actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing that there is a problem and a snap isn't imminent... is illegal."  Does such a rule/interpretation exist under NCAA rules? 

[dammitbobby]

AR 9-2-2 VIII:

VIII.   4/1 @ B-40. QB A12 moves from shotgun formation to under center and barks signals in an unsuccessful attempt to draw Team B offside. With 10 seconds remaining on the play clock, A12 backs away from the center and jogs toward the sideline being very demonstrative with his arms and waiving to the bench. As A12 approaches the sideline, the ball is snapped directly to back A44 just before the play clock expires and A44 runs to the B-38.

RULING: A, 4/16 @ A-45 - Unsportsmanlike Conduct by A12, penalize Team A 15 yards from the previous spot. The action by A12 is in violation of the spirit of Rule 9-2-2-b.

[ElvisLives]

Under NFHS rules there is a Case Book interpretation under Unfair Acts which states in part "actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing that there is a problem and a snap isn't imminent... is illegal."  Does such a rule/interpretation exist under NCAA rules?

Back around 2010 (plus or minus), a few teams tried to distract the opponent, making it appear that the snap was not imminent, by having the QB, in particular, after his team had completely set, move laterally toward his team’s sideline (only Team A player moving) making motions with his arm(s) to make it look like he was trying to communicate with his sideline for instruction. Then the snapper snapped to another back and ran for big yardage. The NCAA ruled that tactic to be UNS, by play situation bulletin. Land Clark (PAC 12 then, NFL now) made that call soon thereafter, and, a few weeks later, I (WAC/MWC/C-USA then, Texas HS now) made that call, too. 100% supported. That practice pretty well stopped. Then, in 2022, AR 9-2-2-VIII was added that covers this.

[JasonTX]

When coaches ask me about plays like this, I always ask them if they can run it to the opposite sideline.  If the answer is no, then it's most likely illegal.

[Etref]

When coaches ask me about plays like this, I always ask them if they can run it to the opposite sideline.  If the answer is no, then it's most likely illegal.

👍

[Imperial Stout]

Pre-snap deception like this is an area of the game that has been deemed unsporting since forever, though that hasn't prevented coaches from thinking they've found a loophole or something novel to try.

[ump_ben]

Land Clark (PAC 12 then, NFL now) made that call soon thereafter

Though in that case it was a bit less clear cut as the QB was motioning at the opposing sideline which I thought was an interesting wrinkle on the whole thing.  Especially if you see JasonTX's comment.

[Ted T]

My curiosity was piqued on this topic when, during Saturday's Iowa game, the Penn State QB in shotgun position looked toward the sideline with his hands over his ear area while a slot back slid in and took a direct snap.  It is something I would have flagged in a high school game.