Substitution Infraction

[SACokeSooner]

Is this a common penalty called, before a punt on 4th and 5.

What exactly does this penalty imply? All I saw was a player hustling off the field, then the ref next to the return man flags the returning team and gives the offense a first down.

[zippy]

Is this a common penalty called, before a punt on 4th and 5.

What exactly does this penalty imply? All I saw was a player hustling off the field, then the ref next to the return man flags the returning team and gives the offense a first down.

If the player getting off the field was not off in time they will call this penalty. I assume this is what happened. Was the start play whistle blown? Need more info to give a better thought on it. If he was not off the field in time its a penalty.

[SACokeSooner]

The ref had placed the ball down I believe, but I think the clock was running, so their was no go signal. Nothing else had happened yet, the play hadn't started.

Note: this ref called about 4 other penalties on the defense on this drive.

[zippy]

The ref had placed the ball down I believe, but I think the clock was running, so their was no go signal. Nothing else had happened yet, the play hadn't started.

Note: this ref called about 4 other penalties on the defense on this drive.

I assume what happened was that the guy comming in was in, but the one that left waited too long before he went out. Once a new player is on, the player going out has 3 seconds to leave the field. If this was not the case there should have been a penalty. However, if it was not, I do not know why it was called.

[SACokeSooner]

That may have been the case. Just curious because I had never seen it called before. Thanks for the answer!

[ruffshod]

That may have been the case. Just curious because I had never seen it called before. Thanks for the answer!
You cannot break the huddle with more than eleven players. Once a team breaks the huddle, if one or more players, leaves the field, it's a sub infraction.

[coachg89]

If you break a huddle with 12 players, it is a substitution infraction - 5 yards. Defensively, it is better for the official to call this penalty instead of allowing the play to start. If the play is run with 12, it is illegal participation, 15 yards.

[SACokeSooner]

Well, it was after a 3rd down and some new players came onto the field for the punt. They didn't huddle.

But if there are only 11 players on the field, what's the problem, unless it was too late for someone to be leaving?

[Bill4par]

Is this a common penalty called, before a punt on 4th and 5.

What exactly does this penalty imply? All I saw was a player hustling off the field, then the ref next to the return man flags the returning team and gives the offense a first down.

If they broke the huddle, then substituted, thats the penalty for substitution infraction