Expert: Vic Winnek - 1/16/2007

Question
Is it legal to huddle with just 10 men and at the last couple or 3 seconds send in the 11th player who is a running back so he can be in motion, and not get a penalty for movement? I know the defense can add a 11th player at the last second if they are short, but can the offense use this tactic to maybe run a play off to this late entry player?

Tnanks
Mickey Britt
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I believe you have to report your tackle eligible to the referee, The real question is if I would like him to remain eligible, do I have to report him to the referee each play? Is it the tackle who reports he will be eligible, or who? I have formations that require my tackle to be eligibile and I may keep him eligible for 2 or 3 downs, so I need to know the rules on this. I also need to know how far off the line of scrimmage my normal wide receiver would have to be to make the tackle eligible?  I may won't the wide receiver spread out and as close to the line as possible without covering the eligible tackle up.
-----Answer-----
Hi Mickey,

Under NCAA & Federation rules you do NOT have to report a tackle eligible on each  play.  However it is a good idea to advise the referee and umpire before the game so the crew is aware of this play.  As long as the tackle is eligible by position (not covered by another player and you have 7 on the LOS) and you have met the proper player numbering requirement it is a legal play.

A tackle who is clearly in the backfield behind the passer may catch a backward pass (originally on the LOS then drops back into the backfield).

Mickey, is you football league outside the United States?  I know of some leagues that do require tackles to report but they have modified rules.  If you are using NCAA or Federation rules there is NO reporting requirement! This is an NFL rule.

Your WR needs to be clearly in the backfield - 1 yard behind the LOS.  The flank official on the LOS (Head Linesman or Line Judge) rules on this.

Historical FYI - When it was legal to run planned loose ball plays where the Center, Guard or Tackle would get the ball there used to be a reporting requirement and the person responsible for reporting it was the QB, then it was broaden to allow any player to report it to the Referee.  At one time it was permissible for the head coach to report it to the official on his sideline. - that was soon done away with because the referee was the official who was in the best position to rule on the play.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FOLLOW UP WITH ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OR CLARIFICATION.

Good luck,


Answer
Mickey,
Yes it is legal.  The rule prohibits breaking the huddle with more than 11 players.  Now you  need make sure your RB stops for one full second so there is not an illegal shift.  Also you need to make sure you don't violate any other substitution rules or create a play where it is you intent to deceive the other team that could be construed as unsportsmanlike conduct.