1.1The Center is the player who snaps the ball to the Quarterback. The Center is prohibited from receiving a forward handoff immediately following the snap (Center Sneak). The penalty for this is an Illegal Run Play penalty.
1.2Before the snap, the long axis of the ball shall be at right angles to the scrimmage line and the Center's feet on either side of the bean bag marking the Line of Scrimmage. A legal snap is handing or passing the ball backward from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous backward motion of the hand or hands that results in losing possession of the ball. The snap need not be between the snapper's legs.
1.3A run play occurs when a player crosses the line of scrimmage with the ball without a forward pass being thrown. The line of scrimmage and point of scrimmage shall be determined by the officials according to the dead-ball rules and scrimmage regulations.
1.4The Quarterback may not advance the ball across the Line of Scrimmage as a ball carrier. This restriction ends if the ball is transferred to another player and then returned to the Quarterback. This restriction includes extending the ball beyond the Line of Scrimmage to gain yardage or score while the Quarterback's body remains behind the line. The penalty for this is an Illegal Run Play penalty.
1.5The player who takes a handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
1.6Once a ball has been handed off, passed, pitched, lateraled or there is a fake handoff or lateral, all defensive players are eligible to rush from anywhere on the field. Offensive players may not interfere with a Rusher's RoW if there is an immediate fake handoff. Violation of this rule is Rusher Interference. When a player tips a pass to a teammate without gaining control, play continues and the ball can be advanced.
1.7Spinning and dipping is allowed, but the ball carrier cannot dive forward or jump to avoid a defensive player or gain yardage (no diving).
1.8It is up to the ball carrier to avoid contact with the defender.
1.9The ball is spotted at the location of the ball when the ball carrier's flag has been pulled. The ball shall be placed so the long axis is parallel to the sidelines.
1.10The ball cannot be spotted closer than the 1-yard line from either teams end zone.