Help: Disagreement on numbering exception

[ljudge]

We had a disagreement in our preGame discussion this morning when talking about muddle huddles. I'm fairly confident I understand the numbering exception under rule 7 section 2. My LJ disagrees with me and an umpire who filled in on my crew today disagrees with me as well.

Here's the formation.

84....56....62....67....72....81.................. ....2 (center)
....35............................................ .........14 (holder)...............20
.................................................. ...........27 (kicker)

OK, the numbering exception is in effect becuase we're in scrimmage kick formation. #81 is taking place of a lineman numbered 50-79. He's assumed his position on the LOS between the ends (84 & 2) and if they shift out of this formation where 81 moves to the right of #2 and is on the end of the line, by rule he's still ineligible as per the numbering exception.

Hopefully we have "so far, so good" from everyone.


We agreed on this. Now, assume we have the following formation...

84....56....62....67....72....76.....81........... ..2 (center)
.................................................. ..........14 (holder)...............20
.................................................. ...........27 (kicker)

My LJ was saying that 81 is still ineligible if they ultimately shift and is on the end of the line to the right of #2 (same shift as before).

I say he's eligible becuase he's NOT taking the place of a lineman 50-79. His interp was he's taking place of the "guard" and I say the guard, center, and tackle (where ever he's lined up) has ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY nothing to do with it.

My position is he's NOT taking the place of a lineman under that exception and that a shift would make #81 eligible.

Agree or disagree?