A SNAP infraction is one of the many penalties that can happen during a professional football game.
The call occurs when a center does not properly snap the ball back to the quarterback.
What is a snap infraction?
A snap infraction is also known as a false start penalty that occurs when the center does not snap the ball correctly.
According to AS, the penalty can be called if the center illegally moves the ball in a number of ways including:
- Picking up the ball
- Moving it forward
- Rotating the ball aroud end-to-end
- Removing bth hands from the ball
It ultimately results in a loss of five years if caught by the referees.
How do you avoid a snap infraction?
In order to avoid a snap infraction, a center must follow rules including:
- The ball must be still on the ground
- The snap has to be in a single rapid and continuous motion
- The center must wait for all referees to be ready
These rules help ensure that both teams start the play in the same way.
"Unless there is a false start or other snap infraction, a snap from center is a backward pass, regardless of whether a Team A player is in position to receive it, and the ball continues in play, regardless of the time remaining in the game," the NFL Rulebook states.
What is a snap infraction in college football?
Essentially, a snap infraction is the same in the NFL as it is in NCAA football.
“The snap need not be between the snapper’s legs; but to be legal, it must be a quick and continuous backward motion," according to the NCAA Rulebook.
A snap is not legal until the ball is first moved forward or lifted by the center.
It also must be snapped on or between the hash marks.