Rules Experts...Explain?

[Hail Casares]

This is one of those things I feel like I should know, but don't, and it's become common in the football world.

Why, when a RB is in the backfield is he allowed to move forward prior to going in motion laterally? Why is a TE who is inline allowed to step back and then go in motion laterally? Would not both of these constitute (technically) a false start? Would it not then be possible for anytime a RB or TE "false starts" to just continue the lean forward or step back, and go in motion and it's legal?

What's the loophole or explanation that allows for this?

[Brian wolf]

I think its because a RB or TE isnt considered "set" yet. It can be close and confusing though. I saw alot of offensive tackles moving before the snap yesterday but its not being called.

[PA Wingman]

This is one of those things I feel like I should know, but don't, and it's become common in the football world.

Why, when a RB is in the backfield is he allowed to move forward prior to going in motion laterally? Why is a TE who is inline allowed to step back and then go in motion laterally? Would not both of these constitute (technically) a false start? Would it not then be possible for anytime a RB or TE "false starts" to just continue the lean forward or step back, and go in motion and it's legal?

What's the loophole or explanation that allows for this?

The movement forward by a back or backward by a tight end constitutes a shift before going in motion. It is done deliberately and the player in motion's movement does not simulate movement at the snap.

[Hail Casares]

This is one of those things I feel like I should know, but don't, and it's become common in the football world.

Why, when a RB is in the backfield is he allowed to move forward prior to going in motion laterally? Why is a TE who is inline allowed to step back and then go in motion laterally? Would not both of these constitute (technically) a false start? Would it not then be possible for anytime a RB or TE "false starts" to just continue the lean forward or step back, and go in motion and it's legal?

What's the loophole or explanation that allows for this?

The movement forward by a back or backward by a tight end constitutes a shift before going in motion. It is done deliberately and the player in motion's movement does not simulate movement at the snap.

That doesn't really make sense though. A RB 99% of the time moves forward at the snap. A TE can step back into pass protection.