Line of scrimmage

[shont]

since it doesn't matter how many are in the backfield under NFHS rules, then obviously 4,3,2 or 1 in the backfield would mean 7 or more on the line. Correct? The rule book states that you have to have a minimum of 7 on the line of scrimmage. But , sometimes what seems like common sense to me isn't common sense to others.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by shont

since it doesn't matter how many are in the backfield under NFHS rules, then obviously 4,3,2 or 1 in the backfield would mean 7 or more on the line. Correct? The rule book states that you have to have a minimum of 7 on the line of scrimmage. But , sometimes what seems like common sense to me isn't common sense to others.

What if Team A has less than 10 players in the game with 4 in the backfield?

Under FED rules, this would be a foul for illegal formation (only 6 on the line of scrimmage).

Under NCAA rules, this would be legal (NCAA only requires no more than 4 players can be backs).

I much prefer the NCAA rule... there's no need for the H/L to know how many players are in the game for Team A. For FED games, I need to let my H/L know if Team A is short on players.

[shont]

Very good point jtheump. That is true. In that case you would only have six on the line. That would be the reason to count players on the line. I will be doing just that from now on. Thanks

[Rich]

Originally Posted by shont

Very good point jtheump. That is true. In that case you would only have six on the line. That would be the reason to count players on the line. I will be doing just that from now on. Thanks

Get the count of the O from the R/U. They should be signaling if they have 11 (fist or thumbs up) or 10 (usually two hands on the front of the body). As an R, I give the count as early as I can, and hold it until the O reaches the LOS.

Once you have my count, then you can count backs.