Trick plays

On the weekend an interesting trick play was shown by a junior team. It was meant to deceive a team by showing 'wrong ball.' There was some discussion as to the legality of a snap by a centre to a person in the backfield. The centre does not need to stand up and turn to hand the ball as discussed as this rule applies to other down linemen. The centre with the ball needs to snap the ball to the person in the backfield in one smooth motion, it need not be between his legs. So to all defences as soon as the centre picks up the ball after setting himself up the play starts and the officials judge whether the snap is legal or not.
Now to the showing of the 'wrong ball.' This is completely illegal and is Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Any interaction with the sideline to put off your opponent is not apart of the sport. It is to deceive and not to beat your opponent in a combative manner according to the rules. It may appear to be a smart play but it is not a fair play. The act of showing or calling a 'wrong ball' or 'wet ball' should be penalised for USC and the officials not the coach should be notified if the ball is wrong or wet, not the coach.
Some Youtube videos are saying this play is legal when in fact it is not according to the above interpretations. Discussion with US officials say the coach also risks ejection from the game for such a prepared play. In fact this may be a warning to coaches and players not to believe that all plays, even those with commentary, shown on these sites is legal.
If you have any trick plays you wished to discuss please email me before a game on the weekend so that the legalities can be checked well before hand.

Grant Martin