Protection for the Snapper

[FLAHL]

Our season started last night, and we had this situation several times on a try.  K lined up in a formation with 7 on the line, but 2 linemen were spread out to the hash marks on both sides, with nobody in position to hold or to kick.  Then K shifted to a scrimmage kick formation, snapped and kicked the PAT. 
(1) Once K shifts to the scrimmage kick formation, the snapper is protected, even though K initially lined up in a non-scrimmage kick formation, correct? 
(2) On one try, the holder was lined up 5 yards behind the snapper.  I don't know if this was intentional or not.  In that case, no protection for the snapper, correct? 
(3) When K shifts into a scrimmage kick formation, and snaps within a second or two, should the U warn R to "stay off the center"?
(4) In a case where the holder is 5 yards deep, not 7, how would the U even know that? 
(5) As a wing official, I don't check to see how many yards back the holder is.  Should I be doing that, or is that R's call?
Thanks for your input on this one.

[HLinNC]

Ah, the "water bucket".  Lots of schools still run that here in the mountains.

As to the depth, that's going to have to be the R's decision.  I would err on the side of protection however if I were the U.  I think our U's start telling B/R to watch out when the see that the holder and kicker are in place.

Not sure what mechanic you use for 5 man try-FG.  Here the LJ is always back so I have the LOS all to myself.  No way am I going to know the depth of the kicker and holder.

[bama_stripes]

We have the R give a "rolling hands" signal any time the snapper is protected, echoed by U.

FWIW, I ask our umpires to tell the defense only that "The snapper's protected".  Saying "Don't hit the snapper" or "Lay off the snapper" can lead to problems.

[TampaSteve]

Our season started last night, and we had this situation several times on a try.  K lined up in a formation with 7 on the line, but 2 linemen were spread out to the hash marks on both sides, with nobody in position to hold or to kick.  Then K shifted to a scrimmage kick formation, snapped and kicked the PAT. 
(1) Once K shifts to the scrimmage kick formation, the snapper is protected, even though K initially lined up in a non-scrimmage kick formation, correct? 
(2) On one try, the holder was lined up 5 yards behind the snapper.  I don't know if this was intentional or not.  In that case, no protection for the snapper, correct? 
(3) When K shifts into a scrimmage kick formation, and snaps within a second or two, should the U warn R to "stay off the center"?
(4) In a case where the holder is 5 yards deep, not 7, how would the U even know that? 
(5) As a wing official, I don't check to see how many yards back the holder is.  Should I be doing that, or is that R's call?
Thanks for your input on this one.

(3)"stay of the center" is VERY misleading - incorrect, really.   
B can "A-gap" the center, right?  So why say, 'stay off'?

With K shifting from formation to formation where C is not, then is protected, in my opinion, it is Bs responsibility, when in dobut, not to have direct contact with the center.  Chances are too, that many HS coaches do not fully know the differences in the rule and they coach B to lay off C if A is even in shotgun formation.

(4&5) Wing has LOS (esp in 5-man) responsibilities, not looking into backfield responsibilities. 
R has QB. R is closest. R should determine whether of not protection criteria is met if not in kicking formation and subsequently communitate with U (rolling hands).

[Magician]

I don't nit-pick 5/7 yards.  If the team is in a formation where a scrimmage kick is likely to occur (holder in position or punter deep...not quick kick situation with QB), protect the snapper.  That's what the rule is trying to get at so go with it.  Anything else is just shooting skinny rabbits.

[Ralph Damren]

I agree with Magician, don't nit-pick (we Mainers say: "Don't look for fly poop in the pepper shaker) between 5-7 yards if the team is in field goal (scrimmage kick) formation. Another thing to remember (I didn't ) is if a team is rushing on their field goal unit just befor the half ends to kick on less than 4th down, ONLY the snapper can use the numbering exception. This occured to me just before halftime and the kick sailed true thru the pipes. As I applied mustard to my halftime hotdog, it hit me. Hopefully it'll hit you as it occurs.

[bama_stripes]

Ralph, this is another rule I wish the committee would look at rewording.  Perhaps something along the lines of  adding "...and a pass crosses the line of scrimmage."

The rule was adopted to do away with [the offense that shall not be named], not to penalize teams that are obviously trying to score in late-half situations like yours.

[Ralph Damren]

Ralph, this is another rule I wish the committee would look at rewording.  Perhaps something along the lines of  adding "...and a pass crosses the line of scrimmage."

The rule was adopted to do away with [the offense that shall not be named], not to penalize teams that are obviously trying to score in late-half situations like yours.

My proposal on this was to adopt the NCAA version which merely said : "Scrimmage kick formation is for scrimmage kick situations"...or something theresuch. Apparently my proposal was too simple .