Swinging gate formation question

[Texas_Newbie]

In swinging gate formation, a player who is lined up as the Center, can he move if to another position if he hasn't touched the ball?

[ElvisLives]

In swinging gate formation, a player who is lined up as the Center, can he move if to another position if he hasn't touched the ball?

I’m going to guide you to the answer.
Firstly, speaking from a rules perspective, I have no idea what a “Center” is. But, I think you may be inquiring about a Team A player who intends to become the “Snapper.” So, secondly, one of the first things we should do is check definitions; in this case, review 2-27-8. Thirdly, review 7-1-3-a-1. Fourthly, compare those two rules, and, in your scenario, evaluate if you have a Snapper (as defined). If you decide you do, then what is he allowed/NOT allowed to do? If you decide you do not (have a snapper), then what is the player you are calling a “Center” allowed to do/NOT to do?
Do this exercise, and tell us your conclusion.

[Texas_Newbie]

Thank you for walking me through that. As long as the player doesn't touch the ball or has not put his hands "at or below the knee," he may move.

[ElvisLives]

Once the snapper becomes the snapper, by rule, he may not move to another position. Except in a true scrimmage kick formation (which a swinging gate is NOT), a player does not become the snapper until he takes his position at the ball and touches the ball or simulates touching the ball by placing his hand(s) at or below his knees. So, in your scenario, he never became the snapper, by rule. Since he wasn't the snapper, he is free to change positions.

Note that, in a true scrimmage kick formation (as of 2026), a player becomes a snapper when he simply takes his position on the line at the ball. There is no requirement for him to address the ball for him to be "locked in" to his position in the "2X2". We should never confuse a swinging gate with a true SKF, but we must know the difference in the two formations, since it affects what Team A is allowed/not allowed to do with respect to player numbering, and what Team B is allowed/not allowed to do with respect to the alignment across from the snapper, and blocking of the snapper.

Good discussion.