Expert: Vic Winnek - 9/8/2008

Question
Hi Mr. Winnek,

I was just what is the maximum number of players you can send into motion at one time.
According to me: You can send as many players into motion in a given play. However: You can only send one player in motion at a particular time. There must be a 1 second interval between one player stopping and the next player going in motion. And there must be a 1 second interval between the last player in motion and the snap of the ball. That's pretty much it.
However, another guy whose a youth coach says that he sends two players in motion at the same time on a reverse and they never get called illegal motion.
Can you clarify this rule for me please? And is the rule different for different levels ie. HS, college, NFL?
Thank you.

P.S. I also asked you a question while you were at that officiating conference of yours about what coaching role I should take. Well I got a basic position and at first I was unhappy, but now I think it's great. Since I'm not attached to one position I can wander around the practice field and learn the drills and techniques, and pick peoples minds. The position coaches that we have play Arena Football Div. 2 so I learn a lot of the drills and stuff they teach em in the States. And since the junior and senior seasons are at different times, once the junior season is done, I can join the senior staff and get the best of both worlds. =] Anyway, thanks for your advice on my coaching career. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.  

Gary

Answer
Gary,
I am very glad to hear you have started your coaching career. I am sure you will learn a lot and do very well.  Please keep me posted of your progress.  I hope some day our paths will cross on a football field.  It would be my honor to officiate one of your games.

You have the basics down with respect to motion and shifts.  Your description above indicates you understand the rule well.  One player may be in motion at the snap, but not in motion toward his opponent’s goal line. A lineman may not be in motion at the snap. Other players must be stationary in their positions without movement of the feet, body, head or arms.  A "shift" is a simultaneous change of position by two or more offensive players after the ball is ready for play and before the snap.  Shifts are legal - it is a neutral term that defines the movement of offensive players before the snap.  It is an illegal shift if there are two (2) or more offensive players moving at the time of the snap as you describe in your friend's reverse play.

Regarding motion, Rule 7-1-4 states: If a snap is preceded by a huddle or shift [when players break the huddle and go to their positions that is technically a shift.  Therefore all 11 players may move or shift before they get set in their positions...], all players of the offensive team must come to an absolute stop and remain stationary in their positions, without movement of the feet, body, head or arms, for at least one (1) full second before the ball is snapped.  It is not intended to prohibit smooth, rhythmical  shifts if properly executed. A smooth cadence shift or unhurried motion is not an infraction. However, it is the responsibility of an offensive player who moves before the snap to do so in a manner that in no way simulates the beginning of a play. After the ball is ready for play and all players are in scrimmage formation, no offensive player shall make a quick, jerky movement before the snap.

The rules governing shifts and motion are different in Arena Football and Canadian football as compared to NCAA, High School and the NFL.  Your understanding is consistent with NCAA, High School and NFL rules.

Best of luck,

Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official