Swinging gate mechanics - 5man
 

Just wondering what suggested officials mechanics are out there for a swinging gate formation. We had it in OT, during a try to win the game. The team snapped to the holder in the formation who scrambled around and found the back behind the gate (and LOS) for a 2pt try and win....a lot of commotion about ineligibles everywhere..but we had a pass behind LOS. In particular, asking U's for position prior to shift?

In 5-man, in some situations, you will give up something to cover something else. In all of our kicking PAT situations, we put the U and BJ under the uprights so that our wings "stay home." With that said, the swinging gate provides some challenges but we think we have it covered as best we can. We see this formation regularly from one of the schools in town and anticipate, which is half the battle. Our U and BJ do their best to move up and watch interior line play when they realize it is not a kick. But, for us, we believe that having the sideline covered is more important as well as being ready to rule on a kick.

We use NFHS mechanics here.

I have instructed our "underneath" wing to go with the formation.

If A shifts, go under the upright and prepare for a kick.

If A snaps, try to get to the sideline in the back of the end zone to get the pass to the corner.

The remaining wing has the goal line all the way across and I (the R) will be wide and if the play comes in my direction, I'll try to get the pylon.

All compromises. But we're aware of them.

Same as you Rich except with us the "naked side" is always the LJ.