can the center just hike the ball??

Question
My friends and I are having a debate with no definite answer to the question; Can the center just hike the ball if he sees the play clock is about to run out or does the quarterback have to give the word or signal to allow the ball to be snapped? If not what would the penalty be?

Answer
Kevin
The Center/snapper is not required by rule to wait for the QB to call the signal, he may snap the ball at anytime.  If the other players are not set for one full second when he snaps then there may be a an illegal shift or illegal motion foul but no foul for snapping the ball.  So if a snapper sees the clock running down he he decides to snap without the QB calling for the ball, that is legal. [usually a center would not see the game clock while in his stance]