SKF "2 X 2" and Numbering Exceptions, and substitutions

[ElvisLives]

One hole in the SKF and numbering exceptions rule change was substitutions. Once a player was established as one of the "2 X 2" formation, we did not know for certain if he could be substituted (i.e., "2 X 2" player A88 is replaced by substitute A10, and A88 leaves the field).

I wrote to Shaw and received this answer (Note: In my question to him, A88 was a player in the established "2 X 2"):

"If Team A was set and the 2 X 2 established, then A88 cannot shift out of the 2 X 2 or he commits a foul.  Team A may call Timeout and then reset the 2 X 2."

Steve Shaw
CFO National Coordinator of Football Officials
Secretary-Rules Editor, NCAA Football Rules Committee

AND

A fellow official received a similar reply from Shaw regarding this, which is below:

"And yes, once the 2 X 2 is set, those 5 players are ineligible by position, and they cannot shift or be substituted for.  The only option to move or replace the players in a 2 X 2 is to call a timeout. "

So, there you have it. With these interpretations, the "2 X 2" players truly are locked in, once they are established (which means they and the snapper are on the line and within the TB). To my way of thinking, instead of "2 X 2", I will call them the "Fixed Five."
 
I urge you to pass this along to the coaches in your areas.

In full disclosure, I don't particularly like this interpretation, but I don't have to. We have it in writing (x 2). OK by me, if that's what they put in writing. And, with these, they did.

Now, about the Fair Catch Kick...

[TxJim]

I think this not being able to substitute the "frozen 5" or the "fixed 5" is not good for UIL football.


Many teams across the state have small rosters and run 2-way players and kids get confused. We've all had varisty games where teams have less than 30 players.
The idea that a HS coach can't substitute into the frozen 5 without a timeout is punitive IMO at our level.

And there is the safety aspect. When a player shows signs of injury or the effects of a hit on the last play manifest in the box, a coach may recognize it long before any official does.
And let's face it, coaches have to deal with kids who get confused, forget, or don't listen and don't know not to play hurt.

So, as a result, I would not be surprised to see some Texas coaches teach their players to flop and get an injury time out from us.

[ElvisLives]

Flopping?
I used to think that was just a hockey thing. But, now I have seen two whole "international football" (soccer) games on TV, and hockey can't touch them soccer dudes!
And, now, the rest of America has seen some soccer matches. Can't wait until some college (real) football player gets shoved in the back and he falls down grabbing his lower leg...