Defensive Team Requirements
ARTICLE 5. The defensive team requirements are as follows:
a. Each of the following (1-5) is a dead ball foul. Officials should blow the whistle and not allow the play to continue. After the ball is ready for play and before the ball is snapped:
5. No player shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play. No player may call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of, or otherwise interfere with, offensive starting signals.
Approved Ruling 7-1-5 V 3/2 @ B-45. Team A is in formation and the snap is imminent. Team A QB is in shotgun formation and is using a clap as a starting signal. Team B (a) squad member; (b) assistant coach claps causing the Team A wideout to false start or the snapper to snap the ball. RULING: Dead-ball foul, delay of game for disconcerting signals [S21] for both (a) and (b). Team A will have 1/10 @ B-40. The rule states that no player may call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of, or otherwise interfere with, offensive starting signals. The spirit of the rule would include squad members or coaches that clap when the snap is imminent and could cause the offense to false start.
PENALTY [4-5]—Dead-ball foul, delay of game. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S21].
