Shot gun center

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Murd

so I was right in my original post?

I don't think so, it sounds like you are looking for a "one size fits all" answer, which rarely exists in the game of football. The rule is pretty simple and straightforward the way it's written. (NF: 9.4.6) "Roughing the snapper. A defensive player shall not charge directly into the snapper when the offensive team is in a scrimmage-kick formation.".

Case Book 9.4.6.situation A, goes on to explain further, " The snapper's protection does not include simultaneous contact with another A player, nor does it take away the center-guard gap from B. The roughing prohibition is only for a direct charge into the snapper.", and cites NF: 2.32.14 as a reference.

2.32.14, which describes who a snapper is, advises, "In a scrimmage-kick formation, the snapper remains a snapper until he has had a reasonable opportunity to regain his balance and protect himself or until he blocks or moves to otherwise participate in the play." As is always the case, judging what is reasonable rests with the covering official, alone.

This added level of protection only exists when the offense is in a scrimmage-kick formation, which NF:2.14.2 defines as, "A SKF is a formation with at least one player 7 yards or more behind the NZ and in position to receive the long snap. No player may be in position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper's legs. "