Number Exception
 

I have a question regarding the numbering exception during scrimmage-kick formations.


7-2-5b-EXCEPTION-2 reads: "...A player in the game under this exception must assume an initial position on his line of scrimmage between the ends and he remains an ineligible forward-pass receiver during that down unless the pass is touched by B."

The Redding Study Guide says, "If a subsequent shift leaves the excepted player in the position of an eligible reciever, he remains ineligible."


With that in mind, here's my example play situation:

On fourth down, A sets up in a scrimmage-kick formation with 8 players on the line as follows:


Based on the example situation above, could someone please help me with these questions:

• If 83 legally shifts into the backfield, does 82 become eligible?
• If A81 legally shifts into the backfield, is he eligible or ineligible?
• If A82 legally shifts into the backfield, is he eligible or ineligible?

To ask the question differently: Which players (A81, A82, or both) are considered to have taken "the position of any A player numbered 50 to 79" and are therefore ineligible regardless of any subsequent shift which may leave them in an eligible position?


There are 8 players on the line -- 2 ends and 4 interior linemen wearing numbers 50-79: how do you determine which of the remaining 2 interior linemen are taking the place of a player numbered 50-79 under the numbering exception?


Thanks in advance, and apologies for being so wordy. :D

In all 3 cases, the answer is no. The players that lined up ON the line and not on the end have fulfilled the "lined up in a position blah blah" part of that rule. You say they "set up" ... To simplify: at the moment they set up - anyone not in the backfield or on the end is ineligible for the entire play.

Yup, what Mike said. A81 and A82 both will remain ineligible throughout the down.

Just to make sure I understand correctly, this is only the case when the 7-2-5b Exception is in place?

In my example, had there been at least five players numbered 50-79, would a player who was eligible by number but "covered up" be able to shift into the backfield to become eligible by position?

Assuming all five were on the LOS, yes, because he would not be in the game under the numbering exception.

OK, how about this: Assume this is the line on a 4th down scrimmage kick. Note that No. 12 is the snapper. Is he eligible?

Yes, in this case A can shift all they want to create and/or remove eligibility due to position. If the numbering exception is never in use prior to the snap, why would any of the restrictions that come with using the numbering exception apply?

Snapper eligibility is only addressed for downs 1 thru 3. Since the snapper is the only numbering exception allowed and he must be between the ends, he must be ineligible at the snap.
On down 4 or on a try, the rule is silent regarding eligibility. So the snapper can be eligible as long as he is eligible by both number and position. In your example, numbers 21 & 34 will always be ineligible at the snap regardless of any shifts.

Just FYI, 21, 34, and 81 are ineligible regardless of shifts.

Yes, 12 and 14 are eligible, the remainder are ineligible throughout the down. (The numbering exception specifies that players using it must be on the line between the ends.)