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« Last post by ElvisLives on July 29, 2026, 03:16:38 PM »
If you are on RefQuest, and get their quizzes, the most recent quiz included 2 questions directly related to 2026 SKFs and numbering exceptions (questions 1 and 2). Both questions started with the same fully set non-scrimmage kick formation, without a legal "2X2" sub-formation, but with the snapper in position, then followed by
Q1) two backs wearing numbers 50-79 moving onto the line, placing 5 linemen numbered 50-79 on the line, and
Q2) an existing lineman wearing an ‘eligible’ number, but positioned outside the tackle box, then moving to a position within the tackle box to, ostensibly, create a “2x2” sub-formation.
In both cases, the ruling was a live-ball Team A illegal formation foul. The rationale matches the information that I and a fellow official had each received, independently, from Shaw, which I referenced in the previous post. Once Team A establishes a formation without 5 linemen numbered 50-79, or a formation without a proper “2X2” sub-formation, Team A can not make any sort of a shift or player position change to create a legal formation.
In Q1), even though they ultimately had 5 linemen numbered 50-79, they didn’t start that way when the team first came fully set, which they must, if the formation otherwise appears to be a SKF. If they snap the ball from that formation 'adjusted' formation, they commit two illegal formation fouls - one for not have 5 linemen numbered 50-79, and one for not having a legal "2X2" sub-formation within a scrimmage kick formation.
In Q2), Team A may not add anybody within the tackle box to attempt to create a legal “2X2” sub-formation. If they snap from this 'adjusted' formation, they commit an illegal formation foul for not having a legal "2X2" sub-formation within a scrimmage kick formation.
While I was hoping Shaw would issue a bulletin expounding on these situations, he hasn’t done that yet. But the rulings in these questions certainly support the information previously received. I only wish he had included a scenario in which Team A attempted a substitution within a complete, and initially legal, “2X2” sub-formation. But, his previous information made it clear that making a substitution can’t ‘fix’ anything, either.
The bottom line is that, if Team A starts with 5 linemen numbered 50-79, all players may move or shift however they want (without committing a false start). But, once they have a fully set 'apparent' scrimmage kick formation (with the snapper in position) with fewer than 5 linemen they MUST have a legal "2X2" sub-formation, and they can't, thereafter, 'fix' the sub-formation by moving players into, or out of, the "2X2". They can only avoid a live-ball illegal formation foul by being granted a team time-out, or if the game is interrupted by a referee's time out (for some administrative task, like a pre-snap foul, problem with the clocks or chains, down number confusion, etc.).
It just gets easier and easier, eh?
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