The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line, extending from Sideline to Sideline, parallel to the Goal Line, and passing through the point of the ball farthest from Team A's Goal Line.
Players of Team A who are within one yard of and on their own side of the line of scrimmage and are formed in a single line when the ball is put in play, shall be considered scrimmage line, or line players. A player, whose head and shoulders are within one yard of the line of scrimmage, shall be deemed to be a line player.
A player of Team A is considered to be in the backfield if such player is clearly back of the line when the ball is put in play. This will also include the player occupying the position of quarterback.
No player of Team A shall be in a position that will create doubt as to being on the line or in the backfield, when the ball is put in play.
PENALTY: L5
The scrimmage zone is the area extending one yard on each side of the line of scrimmage and from Sideline to Sideline.
On a play from scrimmage, players of Team B must line up at least one yard back of, and on their own side of the line of scrimmage until the ball is put in play. This includes the player giving defensive signals.
PENALTY: L5
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Content compiled and entered by Darren Hackwood, Glen Johnson and Andre Proulx
The CFL Official Rule Book is published annually by the Canadian Football League. Any inquiries regarding the CFL Official Playing Rules may be directed to Glen Johnson, Officiating Technical Advisor, @ gjohnson@cfl.ca.