Men on Line of Scrimmage
Posted: 10/3/2012
Q: Can we have more than 7 men on the line when we are on offense? We would like to put 8 on the line. Can we do so without getting a penalty?
A: Seven is the minimum. There is no maximum.
Rule 2 ❒ Definitions of Playing Terms
SECTION 14 FORMATIONS
ART. 1 . . . A scrimmage formation requires a minimum of seven A players legally on their line at the snap.
Rule 7 ❒ Snapping, Handing and Passing the Ball
ART. 5 . . . Player formation and numbering requirements include:
a. At the snap, at least seven A players shall be on their line of scrimmage.
b. At the snap, at least five A players on their line of scrimmage must be numbered 50-79.
There is no penalty for having more than seven on the line of scrimmage.
