BAFOC: ‘ The Line of scrimmage ’ BRUSSELS - August 30th, 2009

Team A: Prior to the snap Offensive linemen between the snapper and the player on the end of the line, and linemen wearing number , having placed a hand or hands on or near the ground, may not move a hand or hands or otherwise make a quick movement. This is a False Start. The snapper may not lift te ball, turn or twist it. This is a false start  He is allowed to slowly take his hand of the ball if needed, but not in a fast manner. If an offensive lineman moves when threatened by a defensive player who jumps into the neutral zone, it’s an offside foul against the defense. This defensive player must be directly opposite him or in the vicinity.

Team A: At the snap A team legally may play with fewer than 11 players,but a foul for an illegal formation occurs if the following requirements are not met.  At the snap, at least five players wearing jerseys numbered 50 through 79 are on the offensive scrimmage line and no more than four players are in the backfield. The guards may interlock legs with the snapper, but no other linemen are allowed to interlock Only the snapper may encroach on the neutral zone, but he must not be beyond it. Pointing fingers towards team B to give advice to teammates is not considered ‘encroachement’.

Team B: Prior to the snap After the ready, no defensive player may touch the ball or a opponent The defense may not use “disconcerting signals” which are words or signals that simulate the snap count or cedence of the offensive team’s starting signals. This is a foul for delay of game Defensive players in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage may not make quick, abrupt actions that are not part of normal movements in an attempt to draw a reaction by the offense. This is also a foul for delay of game

Team B: At the snap No player may be in or beyond the neutral zone Everyone must be inbounds