Scrimmage Kick Numbering Exception

[MNBlue]

Formation like this:

PHP Code:

    17     53     64     79     61          47          82
1             3       5 




                  24 


#3 and #5 are in the guard/center gap and #24 is in scrimmage kick formation.

Does the exception apply? (I believe it does)

Can the center (#64) direct snap to to #3 or #5 and will the exception apply? (I believe it still does)

My crew is having a discussion and we are looking for other opinions.

Thanks in advance.

[waltjp]

The exception applies due to the formation, not who the ball is snapped to. This is legal.

[Welpe]

What Walt said. Plus I would like to just throw out a reminder that 47 is going to be ineligible if there is a shift and he becomes the end of the line or a back.

[OverAndBack]

Are 3 and 5 on the line in this instance?

Can you legally snap to someone who's not a back? (I don't have my rulebook with me.)

[MNBlue]

Nope, they were backs.

[OverAndBack]

So #17 is the one taking advantage of the exception, then, right? He's the fifth guy? What #3 and #5 are doing isn't relevant, is it?

[mikesears]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

Formation like this:

PHP Code:

    17     53     64     79     61          47          82
1             3       5 




                  24 


#3 and #5 are in the guard/center gap and #24 is in scrimmage kick formation.

Does the exception apply? (I believe it does)

Can the center (#64) direct snap to to #3 or #5 and will the exception apply? (I believe it still does)

My crew is having a discussion and we are looking for other opinions.

Thanks in advance.

I am guessing you are asking if #3 and #5 are in position to receive the snap?

The rule is that there must be a player seven yards deep and in position to receive the long snap with no player in position to receive a "hand-to-hand" snap from between the snappers legs. The formation as shown is a scrimmage kick formation.

[refbuz]

What happens if they shift from this:

PHP Code:

    17     53     64     79     61          47          82
1             3       5 




                  24 


to this:

PHP Code:

1      17     53     64     79     61          47          
                 3       5                                       82




                     24 


Who's looking for what here? Do responsibilities change going from a 5-man game to a 7-man game?

[cmathews]

we have an illegal formation...live ball 5 yds previous spot

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by cmathews

we have an illegal formation...live ball 5 yds previous spot

I take it you are talking about NCAA rules. What makes this formation illegal in NCAA?

[refbuz]

Originally Posted by Welpe

I take it you are talking about NCAA rules. What makes this formation illegal in NCAA?

Because 47 is using the numbering exception, you cannot shift to make him an eligible receiver once the center has touched, or simulated touching the ball. The center touching the ball is what locks in eligibility on scrimmage kicks. (1-4-2-b)

Is there anything that prevents this shift from being legal on Friday nights?