Number Exception

[PocketSidewalk]

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:

80            50  51  52  53  81  82      83

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.