Swinging Gate Plays

[refbuz]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

Let's assume this formation

WR WR T G G T C WR
QB

FB HB


Now let's say that before the snap, the WR on the right side "shifts" back a step and then sets for a second before the snap. They shifted to make the C eligible. That wouldn't be legal?

The shift wouldn't be illegal, But the C would remain ineligible IF he were the numbering exception (7-2-5(b) exception). Shifting to "uncover" the exception is not a foul in NFHS (it is in NCAA).

In HS there is no foul until the exception illegally goes downfield or illegally touches the ball.