Swinging Gate on Try Mechanic

[RickKY]

Team A/K is using the swinging gate formation on a try attempt, with a right handed QB in position to take the snap.  They may or may not shift into a conventional FG formation.

Should the R be on the right side of the formation with a right handed QB, or the left side for the possiblitity of the kick try with a right footed kicker?  It is not a good idea for R to try to shift with the team less he risk being completely out of position if the snap occurs before he gets all the way across the formation.

[Atlanta Blue]

On the left, facing what would be the holder.

In MOST cases, they shift to a traditional formation, and you are in position.  But if they don't shift, half of the plays are going to go to the left anyway, toward the lined up players.  If it goes away, it's not hard for you to trail it.

This is a situation where 6 or 7 man crews have a HUGE advantage.  In that case, you still have a wing on each side responsible for the line (and the goal line).  I know some 5 man crews put the U under the posts and leave the wings on the line, but that has disadvantages as well. 

[Wingman]

No team even tries a "gate" formation in my sectional area, so I'll be honest, it's rarely discussed in our pre-game (its on par with a FG attempt after a fair catch.. ain't gonna happen). Find mention of it in the NFHS mechanics book.. NOT.

However, I wish some team would try to use it...  then when we FOUR officials do the best we can to cover the event and screw it up, I can face the coach who is ticked off and flat out tell him we wouldn't have screwed it up if your ADs and league assigners would come out the 19th century and authorize us to use 5 officials on the field.
If not, then I suggest you try a different formation for you extra point attempts, because your results may vary.

[Tom.OH]

On the left, facing what would be the holder.

In MOST cases, they shift to a traditional formation, and you are in position.  But if they don't shift, half of the plays are going to go to the left anyway, toward the lined up players.  If it goes away, it's not hard for you to trail it.

This is a situation where 6 or 7 man crews have a HUGE advantage.  In that case, you still have a wing on each side responsible for the line (and the goal line).  I know some 5 man crews put the U under the posts and leave the wings on the line, but that has disadvantages as well.

The Ohio mechanics call for the U to be under the post and the wings on the LOS. We have had (or heard of) no problems. The U can still see any contact with the snapper. The R or a wing may have to spot the ball in a hurry up offence getting the fg team on so the U can get to the post.