Halloween is about a week away, but it seems like trick or treating has started in football. There have been numerous trick plays this season. These plays are happening not only in youth and college football but the NFL as well.

Each year we see a handful of successful trick plays pulled off, but very few of them happen at the professional level. The St. Louis Rams trick play against the Seattle Seahawks resulting in a 90-yard punt return for a TD is a rarity.

Typically, NFL players and teams are too disciplined and have seen so much football that it is difficult – almost impossible – to catch them off guard with a trick play. Another reason is many of the trick plays we see shown on YouTube and even some top plays highlight reels are actually illegal plays.

With all the viral videos of trick plays, plus the Rams successful play, there will be many youth football teams taking their chances with a trick play or two. Whether you are a coach, a player or just a fan don’t be fooled by them.

Here are two of the recent trick plays making their way around the web that are actually illegal. Keep them in mind the next time you come across a trick play on the field, in the stands or on a highlight reel.

A youth football team comes up with a great name for what is not a legal play. Football rules at all levels prohibit plays that are designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and the snap isn’t imminent. The penalty is a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct.

A high school football team tried a play similar to what the Cleveland Browns attempted with Johnny Manziel a couple weeks ago, but they cut a few corners. While lining up to punt one of their players was positioned near his team’s sideline. He looks like he is not on the field and just one of the many players not on the field or in play.

However, any offense that huddles between plays must bring all 11 players at least to the numbers to indicate who eligible players are. For teams that do not huddle, players must be apparent to the defense, who is then given the opportunity to substitute accordingly. Just as offenses can’t break the huddle with more than 11 players and run extra players to the sideline, they can’t break the huddle with fewer than 11 players without having the final player(s) at least reporting to the numbers.

Again, the penalty is a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct.

What is your favorite trick play of all time?

Jackie Bledsoe is a writer, blogger, speaker, husband and sports parent of three. He’s played sports for more than 30 years, including the collegiate level, while coaching youth sports for the past nine years. You can read more from Jackie on his blog, JackieBledsoe.com, and connect with him on Twitter @jbledsoejr.