waiting on the defense

Question
Basically a 2 part question.

In the college game do the officials have to wait on the defense to get there substitute players in? Or once the official places the ball the offense can snap it.

Is the pro game different in that regard?

Thanks a bunch.

Answer
Phil
Thanks for your question.  The NCAA substitution rules under Rule 3 provides that where there is a substitution the defense must be given a chance to match up to the new substitution.  It also provides that a team may not use the substitution process to deceive an opponent. The monitor the substitution on each play [between plays] and count players.  If the Offensive team is in a huddle and the substitute goes into the huddle you will not see the officials holding up the snap.  If the offensive team is in a hurry up or at the line of scrimmage with no huddle or in a "muddle" [part huddle part on line of scrimmage when the substitute comes in, you will see the officials hold up the snap.  The officials will give the defense about 3 seconds to recognize the substitution and to match up personnel.

This rule and the officials mechanic came into effect years ago when Boise State and other teams would huddle at the sideline or huddle a few players and hurry to the line of scrimmage and snap the ball trying to catch the defense off guard. Then with Oregon running its hurry up offense and subbing in and out of that also caused problems for the defense matching up personnel so officials will now hold up the snap.

when you see the officials stand with both arms out to their side they are signaling there is a substitution by the offense.  The Umpire with go up to the snapper or get his attention and hold up the snap for up to 3 seconds or until there has been a match up of personnel.

The concept ofone on one remains a corner stone of the substitution rule to allow opponents to match up and to let there athletic ability take over rather than to allow an advantage through a quick snap during the substitution process.

My area of expertise is the college and high school football rules, so i can't give you the NFL rule, but the concept is similar to the college.