Question on new SKF rules for 2026 w/ numbering exceptions

[bctgp]

Interesting play happened in one of my games this past week related to number exceptions used on a PAT.  Initially Team A lines up in a swinging gate formation. Snapper is in position but no lineman near him in the tackle box. While play clock is running they then substitute several players simultaneously while shifting into a SKF. The resulting 2x2 consists of snapper (A49) and a guard and tackle on each side within the tackle box. The guards and tackles have numbers 50-79 and no other lineman is numbered 50-79. So only 4 lineman numbered 50-79.  Legal?

[ElvisLives]

I was going to make a long story out of this, but decided to just give a direct answer: legal SKF with a qualifying 2X2.

There is no minimum number of exceptions required nor maximum number of exceptions allowed. But, to have ANY exceptions, they must have a compliant 2X2, which means all 5 positions filled. If they have a compliant 2X2 in a SKF, then all 5 of those linemen in the 2X2 are ineligible by position, and any of those linemen wearing a number other than 50-79 are ‘exceptions’ to mandatory numbering. (Effectively, they all become the otherwise required 5 linemen numbered 50-79.) Once they are in position in the 2X2, and the snapper is in position, they are “locked in” to their positions in the 2X2. They may not move to any other position(s), either within or outside of the 2X2. A vacant position(s) in the 2X2 may be filled, but, once a 2X2 position is filled and the snapper is in position, that lineman/linemen is/are locked in.

The linemen outside of the 2X2 are governed by other alignment and eligibility rules. Those linemen are NOT locked in to their positions, and may move to other positions on the line or in the backfield. If on the end wearing an eligible number at the snap, they are eligible. If interior, regardless of number, they are ineligible.

Violations of these rules are all LIVE-BALL illegal formation fouls.

That’s the short and long of it.

——————
Gotta add something important I failed to mention. If Team A actually has 5 linemen numbered 50-79, then they are not restricted in formation, changing positions, and making substitutions, beyond any other scrimmage down.

[bctgp]

Thanks. What about the inverse scenario. Team A initially lines up in legal SKF with numbering exceptions and they shifts into a swinging gate (no longer SKF) with 5-players on the LOS with 50-79 and snaps the ball and runs a play (not a kick)?

[dammitbobby]

Once they are in the SKF formation they are locked in and cannot move or shift.

7-1-4-5a to 5e:
5.   If lined up in scrimmage kick formation (Rule 2-16-10), Team A may have fewer than five linemen numbered 50 through 79, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Team A must have the snapper and two linemen on each side of the snapper, who are lined up in (or touching) the tackle box (2x2 formation) and these five linemen become exceptions to the
numbering rule.
(b) These linemen are ineligible receivers by position and become exceptions to the numbering rule when they line up following the snapper taking his position. (A.R.9-1-14-I-III)
(c) Once a player is established as a numbering exception, they may not shift or move to another position.
(d) Any and all such numbering-exception players must be clearly on the line of scrimmage, and all backs must be clearly in the backfield. Otherwise, Team A commits a foul for illegal formation.
(e) Any and all such players are exceptions to the numbering rule throughout the down and remain ineligible receivers unless they become eligible under Rule 7-3-5 (forward pass touched by an
official or a Team B player). The conditions in 5(a)–5(e) are no longer in effect if prior to the snap a period ends or there is a timeout charged to the referee or one of the teams.

[ElvisLives]

Thanks. What about the inverse scenario. Team A initially lines up in legal SKF with numbering exceptions and they shifts into a swinging gate (no longer SKF) with 5-players on the LOS with 50-79 and snaps the ball and runs a play (not a kick)?

In all honesty, that is a good question that needs official interpretation. Two months ago, I had the understanding that, once the snapper was in position and the team set, but with an incomplete 2X2, they couldn’t fill a player vacancy in that 2X2. But then Shaw issued a ruling that allows filling a vacancy. Prior to that, I had the understanding that, once the 2X2 was established, those players are “locked in” may not move to another position - period. But now, as strange as your scenario would be, I can’t say that it would be illegal.
Right now, if I saw it, I’d rule an illegal formation foul, and be happy to let somebody in true authority (Matt Young) tell me I was wrong.
Needs an official ruling.

[bctgp]

Thanks and I agree needs a firm ruling from NCAA.