R 7-1-3
There is no minimum number of players on the scrimmage line at the snap.
a. After the snapper touches the ball and before the ball is snapped all offensive players shall be in bounds behind their scrimmage line (encroachment).
b. The first and each following shift must be completed before the snap starts. AR 7-1-3-I
c. No offensive player shall make a false start or make any abrupt movement that simulates the beginning of a play.
PENALTY – Ball remains dead, 5 yards, enforced from the dead ball spot. [S19] d. When the snap starts, one offensive player may be in motion, may not be moving toward the opponent’s goal line. When the snap starts and 2 or more players are moving, it is an illegal shift. AR 7-1-3-II
PENALTY – 5 yards, enforced from the scrimmage line. [S19] e. The quarterback cannot run with the ball beyond the scrimmage line, unless the ball has been solely possessed by another player and returned to them or touched by a defender while in flight.
f. When the ball is snapped on or inside the 5-yard line going towards the opponent’s end zone (no-running zone), the offense shall make a forward pass play. If the quarterback or runner gets deflagged behind the scrimmage line before a forward pass play has been completed, there is no foul for an illegal run play. AR 7-1-3-III to VII
PENALTY – 5 yards, also loss of down, enforced from the scrimmage line. [S19]
g. The quarterback has 7 seconds to pass or hand-off the ball after the snap. If this limit is exceeded, the ball becomes dead at the scrimmage line.
PENALTY – Loss of down at the scrimmage line. [S21 + S9]