Numbering Restrictions - Backfield
 

Can #52 line up in the back field and go out for a pass under Federation rules? I know there are numbering restrictions for linemen but the number guidelines in the rulebook are listed as recommendations. Any guidance would be helpful.

he can line up in the backfield but he is not wearing an eligible number and can not catch a forward pass. He can carry the ball and catch a backwards pass.

Would the penalty be illegal touching? 5 yards?

Yes, enforced under the ABO.

I called illegal touching but I wasn't too sure I was right. The defense declined the penalty and we just moved on. I am glad I got it right in retrospect.

Could it also be ineligible downfield on a pass if he didn't touch the ball?

For further information, please see:
 

Ineligible Downfield - See Rules Book 7-5-12 & CASEBOOK 7.5.12 SITUATION A

Illegal Touching - See Rules Book 7-5-13 & CASEBOOK 7.5.13 SITUATION A

Why would the defense decline the penalty? It is also loss of down.

john_faz;

With all due respect...

In retrospect, if the ineligible did indeed "touch" the pass, and, you then allowed the defense to decline the penalty, (which it sounds like you may not of informed them it includes a loss of down), it is highly likely, you got it wrong! :cool:

This is my question.

However, two weeks ago, I watched an offensive pass interference penalty declined. Before the R could even get out the options to the defense the coach was yelling for them to decline the penalty.

Perhaps the illegal touching caused the ball to bounce into the air and B intercepted?

In that scenario, I could very easily see Ill. Touching declined.

True, that could be the case.

You are right. I did not inform them of the loss of down provision. My bad.

Unless B ended up with the ball or something else out of the ordinary why is the R even giving options to B? Reminds me of after a long touchdown run with holding by A and the R calls the B captain over to him and says "you can have the result of the play which is a touchdown or we can go back 10 yards from the spot of the foul and it will be third down." Everyone knows what B wants, stop wasting everyone's time.

Well thank you Captain obvious!
 

No kidding????
However, since the poster in the OP supplied the additional information that "the defense declined the penalty and we moved on" it is highly unlikely your scenario (a change of possession play) occured!!! :rolleyes:

As you know, B can decline the yardage penalty. Can they decline the loss of down penalty?