What is a Snap Infraction?

WHAT IS A SNAP INFRACTION?

A snap infraction is a dead ball penalty in which the snapper (center) fails to legally snap the ball prior to a scrimmage play. It is not the same as a traditional false start penalty because the snapper is the only player that can put the ball in play. Any other player on the offense can flinch or leave early prior to the snap because of a lack of communication or concentration. The snapper either snaps the ball or does not. Anything in between is a snap infraction.

Refer to the What Is A Snap Infraction? (Video) for more detail.

WHAT IS A LEGAL SNAP?

A legal snap is one fluid motion in which the ball is transferred from the snapper to another member of the offense the backfield. The ball must be perpendicular to the line of scrimmage before it is snapped and once the motion begins it must be completed without hesitation or hitch. There are two types of legal snaps: (1) Hand to Hand or (2) Shotgun. Note that this is exchange is a backwards handoff/pass. Any mishandled snap is considered a muff (an unsuccessful attempt to possess a loose ball). If the ball hits the ground, it is a fumble and a live ball that can be advanced by either team. A legal snap is the only way to begin a scrimmage play.

TYPES OF SNAP INFRACTIONS

• Any non-lateral movement of the football once it is spotted and under control.
• Taking hands off the football once it is under control.
• Any unusual twitch or movement from the snapper that coincides with the cadence of the signal caller where the ball is not snapped.
• Double snapping.
• Any movement of the ball that is not part of a fluid backward motion of a legal snap.

LEGAL SNAPS

• Single handed snap (Hand to Hand or Shotgun)
• Two handed snap (Shotgun/Deep Snap)

Note that a snap does not necessarily have to be between the legs, however, as a lineman, the shoulders of the snapper must be parallel to the line of scrimmage to be in legal position. This would make for a difficult angle to deliver a consistent snap.

PREVENTIVE OFFICIATING

To limit the number of snap infractions, here is a tip officials can implement. Prior to the first offensive snap, talk to the snapper and ask how they like the ball positioned. Umpires can make a note and spot the ball accordingly. This will limit the amount of lateral movement by the snapper once the ball is under control.

Remind the snapper that they can switch hands while in possession of the ball if there is always at least one hand on the ball. They can go from left hand to both hands then right hand.

Tell the snapper if they must reposition themselves, it is better to drop to a knee and use the ball as a brace. Then, they can get into their stance without moving the ball and simulating the snap.

CONCLUSION

Snap infractions are rare because snappers are usually some of the smartest players on the field. However, wings and umpires should not take any snap for granted and keep their line of sight to the ball clear.