Interior/Restricted Linemen

[mccormicw]

AR 7-1-3-II states that a restricted lineman may break a three point stance once the player outside of him (on end of the line) shifts to a back position (paraphrased).  What is the specific rule that states a restricted lineman cannot change positions?  For me, it is obviously a false start when his hand is on the ground and he picks it up and moves to another position.  But what if he is not in a three point stance but his hands are below his knees?  What if the restricted player has his hands below his knees and he stands up to look to the sideline for the play?

Someone may correct me but I thought that the restricted linemen on the Navy team were taking their hand off the ground to look to the sideline without being penalized.

[El Macman]

That used to be one place (Rule 7). Now you have piece it together with two rules. 2-27-4-c defines a restricted lineman as having a hand(s) below the knees. 7-1-2-b-3 makes it illegal for a "restricted lineman" to move his hand(s). One must assume that means the hand(s) that are below the knees.

[jg-me]

2-27-4 is the rule you need to refer to as EM noted. Also, in the AR you cite, the reason the second man in can lift from the three point stance after he is made to be on the end of the line is that his number is NOT between 50 and 79. At this point he is not a restricted lineman per 2-27-4.

[mccormicw]

That used to be one place (Rule 7). Now you have piece it together with two rules. 2-27-4-c defines a restricted lineman as having a hand(s) below the knees. 7-1-2-b-3 makes it illegal for a "restricted lineman" to move his hand(s). One must assume that means the hand(s) that are below the knees.

I agree with your answer (intuitively).  However, it is a bit of a stretch to say that moving his whole body to another position is a foul because his hands have to follow his body (thereby moving).  It would be much better if the rule was as clear for restricted linemen as it is for the snapper (cannot move to another position or stand up to get signals from the sideline).

[copedaddy]

I watched that game and could not believe they were letting the entire line in three point stance stand up look to their sideline. Perhaps they figured since it never drew the defense, no harm no foul?

[Atlanta Blue]

I watched that game and could not believe they were letting the entire line in three point stance stand up look to their sideline. Perhaps they figured since it never drew the defense, no harm no foul?

Teams that run a no huddle offense do this all the time (see Troy State, among many others).  Watch the interior linemen, they never move their hands or their feet.  Yes, they sink their butts, turn their shoulders  and look to the sideline, but they are in no way simulating the start of the play, and they aren't moving anything that is "locked down".

[mccormicw]

AB

In the Navy game, they were in a 3 point stance and stood up.  They did not keep their hand on the ground.  Unfortunately, I can't find any video.

[clearwall]

Navy is notorious for cheating with their interior linemen anyway...the amount of illegal blocks they throw is unreal

[Atlanta Blue]

Navy is notorious for cheating with their interior linemen anyway...the amount of illegal blocks they throw is unreal

Same thing with Ga Tech.  And what head coach (and offense) do they have in common?

[clearwall]

I wasnt gonna say it, but that doesnt mean i didnt think it.

[Osric Pureheart]

Illegal in what way?

[Atlanta Blue]

Illegal in what way?

Blocks below the waist.

[clearwall]

Dont forget the chopping...OH THE CHOPPING!!!