Encroachment

[Derek Teigen]

Ok, I’m in the case book p. 56 7.1.5 situation:  following the ready-for-play signal. B1 is either in or beyond the neutral zone facing his teammates while giving signals.

Why is this encroachment?  ... when in situation 7.1.6 it states  that following the ready-to-play either a2 or b1 break the plane  of the neutral zone it is NOT encroachment?

[NVFOA_Ump]

More Rule Book / Case Book language issues IMHO.  The bottom line here is we're going to tell the B player calling signals to move back before we make the ball "RFP" with the either the old (whistle and chop) or new timing rules (U leaves after placing the ball).  Also, an A or B player touching/entering the NZ while getting aligned prior to the snapper having his hands on the ball is not going to get a flag based on our guidance.  Probably a quick talk to reminding him to stay out of the NZ.

That being said, once the players are set and the snapper has his hands on the ball and we're "ready to go" any NZ encroachment by either team gets a whistle and a flag.

[Derek Teigen]

Thanks NVFOA.  Another clarification please for situation 7.1.6 still page 56.  It states that 5 linemen assume their final positions such that (a) five linemen penetrate the vertical plane through the waistline of the shaper while the head of the sixth penetrates the plane drawn through the waistline of the nearest teammate.....

The case book is ruling this as an illegal formation but I thought the new rule allows for as few as five men on the LOS.

What am I missing here?

[Magician]

Thanks NVFOA.  Another clarification please for situation 7.1.6 still page 56.  It states that 5 linemen assume their final positions such that (a) five linemen penetrate the vertical plane through the waistline of the shaper while the head of the sixth penetrates the plane drawn through the waistline of the nearest teammate.....

The case book is ruling this as an illegal formation but I thought the new rule allows for as few as five men on the LOS.

What am I missing here?

It allows for 5 men on the LOS if you only have 9 players on the field. There is an error in the case book that will hopefully get clarified after tonight's interpreter's meeting. If you have 11 players you need at least 7 linemen and no more than 4 backs. With 10 players you can go 6/4, 7/3, 8/2, etc. The minimum of 5 comes because you need 5 players numbered 50-79 on normal scrimmage plays (exceptions are allowed for scrimmage kick formation plays). A simple rule change has resulted in a lot of confusion.

[CalhounLJ]

Ok, I’m in the case book p. 56 7.1.5 situation:  following the ready-for-play signal. B1 is either in or beyond the neutral zone facing his teammates while giving signals.

Why is this encroachment?  ... when in situation 7.1.6 it states  that following the ready-to-play either a2 or b1 break the plane  of the neutral zone it is NOT encroachment?

The 2019 NFHS Football Rules Simplified and Illustrated addresses this specific situation:
"7-1-6: Encroachment restrictions are not in effect for those in the neutral zone as the snapper has not placed a hand(s) on the ball. The players who are in the neutral zone may move and be out of the neutral zone beofe the snapper puts his hand(s) on the ball. Before the snapper places his hand(s) on the ball it is encroachment for any other player to touch the ball or an opponent or BE IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE TO GIVE DEFENSIVE SIGNALS(emphasis mine). All other encroachment restrictions begin after the ready-for-play when the snapper places his hand(s) on the ball."
Page 167.