Ball placement before snap

[Brian26]

I had a WH tell the ump that he needed to ask the center before the game how he wanted the ball placed, including the long axis being parallel to the line of scrimmage. My understanding per 7.1.2 is the  long axis of the ball HAS to be at right angle to line of scrimmage?

[AlUpstateNY]

I had a WH tell the ump that he needed to ask the center before the game how he wanted the ball placed, including the long axis being parallel to the line of scrimmage. My understanding per 7.1.2 is the  long axis of the ball HAS to be at right angle to line of scrimmage?

Making "friends" with each snapper is a valuable & worth while effort for an Umpire, and asking each "How do you want the laces" (and following through) is a great way to develop that friendship.  Changing the long axis is another story, and perhaps a "bridge too far".

[Brian26]

Making "friends" with each snapper is a valuable & worth while effort for an Umpire, and asking each "How do you want the laces" (and following through) is a great way to develop that friendship.  Changing the long axis is another story, and perhaps a "bridge too far".

Can the long axis of the ball be placed parallel to the line of scrimmage? The WH said it could but it had to be placed that way all game for that team and any first down  measurements would be done with the ball in that position.

[AlUpstateNY]

Can the long axis of the ball be placed parallel to the line of scrimmage? The WH said it could but it had to be placed that way all game for that team and any first down  measurements would be done with the ball in that position.

The closest instruction I could find to answer your question is NFHS: 7-1-2, but the entire 7-1 section is worth careful review and study to avoid problems.

[HLinNC]

Most umpires know what to do and ask and should tell the WH to go butt a stump.

[bama_stripes]

...go butt a stump.

Spoken like a true Tar Heel.

[HLinNC]

Spoken like a true Tar Heel.

Technically a Catamount but guilty as charged.

[refjeff]

7.1.2 is clear.  The WH was wrong.

My Friday night U stands over the ball and asks the snapper how he wants the laces.  Sometimes it becomes a too long conversation.  I don't like it.  I think it needlessly draws attention to us and slows down the game, but will never say anything to my U about it.

I frequently U sub-varsity games.  I make sure to watch what the center does with the laces the first time he snaps the ball and then that's where I place them the rest of the game.

[Ralph Damren]

IMHO, where 7-1-2 allows the snapper to lift the ball for BACKWARD PASS rotation, asking is not needed. Often you have four snappers per game , including those that snap for scrimmage kicks. IMHO, just spotting with the laces straight up (like my bourbon) will be all that's needed.

Of course my opinion is not always correct, as per....

AATROS RULE....RED SOX SUCK

(4TH POST...1 TO GO     

note: it seems the "L ...word" is replaced by "Backward Pass" . The actual word can be found under 7-1-2, 7th word,1st sentence.

[Logical]

spotting with the laces straight up ... will be all that's needed.

+1

Can the long axis of the ball be placed parallel to the line of scrimmage?

No

first down measurements would be done with the ball in that position.

NO
5-3-2: "... The ball shall be placed with its long axis parallel with the sideline before measurement..."

[NVFOA_Ump]

note: it seems the "L ...word" is replaced by "Backward Pass" . The actual word can be found under 7-1-2, 7th word,1st sentence.

Not sure why this is such a hot button word (l**eral) since Miriam-Webster defines it as:

l**eral noun

Definition of l**ral (Entry 2 of 3)
2 : a pass in football thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or in a direction away from the opponent's goal

Which when applied to football is 100% correct.

[Ralph Damren]

Not sure why this is such a hot button word (l**eral) since Miriam-Webster defines it as:

l**eral noun

Definition of l**ral (Entry 2 of 3)
2 : a pass in football thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or in a direction away from the opponent's goal
In true  jargon ,I believe "backward pass" is preferred to "the L word" . 2-31-5 uses the term : parallel, in lieu of the L-word.

Which when applied to football is 100% correct.

[NVFOA_Ump]

I don't disagree but technically the L-word is 100% correct when applied to football.

[AlUpstateNY]

I don't disagree but technically the L-word is 100% correct when applied to football.

Sorry, but the ONLY directional words used  in describing  "Passing" (NFHS: 2-31-1 through 6) are "forward" and "backward".  Any reference to "lateral" was stricked long ago.

[NVFOA_Ump]

Sorry, but the ONLY directional words used  in describing  "Passing" (NFHS: 2-31-1 through 6) are "forward" and "backward".  Any reference to "lateral" was stricked long ago.

Agree that's what the rules say but a pass parallel to the LOS is by definition in the english language not backward, but it is l**eral.    

[AlUpstateNY]

Agree that's what the rules say but a pass parallel to the LOS is by definition in the english language not backward, but it is l**eral.    

Perhaps, but to avoid endless confusion and petty bickering the term "lateral" (as in: lateral pass) has been removed, and stricken, from the rules of NFHS football, so it's application, or consideration, specific, to that Game is non-existent, or relevant.