Can someone answer this simple question for me?

[SteveOS]

Why do most receivers and some DB's point to the referee or the sidelines, or whatever they are pointing at when they break the huddle and line up in position? It happens almost every single play by almost every single receiver and some DB's.

What are they pointing at or saying to someone?

 

[ghst187]

They are making sure they are lined up ON the Line of Scrimmage. If they are lined up too far back by accident and the TE or slot WR is behind the LoS, then its a penalty for illegal formation. I forget exactly but something to the effect that the last guys on both ends have to be on the LoS...I'm sure somone else here can confirm the exact wording and rule.

The WR is asking the ref to confirm to him that he's lined up on the LoS so as to avoid a penalty.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

They are making sure they are lined up ON the Line of Scrimmage. If they are lined up too far back by accident and the TE or slot WR is behind the LoS, then its a penalty for illegal formation. I forget exactly but something to the effect that the last guys on both ends have to be on the LoS...I'm sure somone else here can confirm the exact wording and rule.

The WR is asking the ref to confirm to him that he's lined up on the LoS so as to avoid a penalty.

That's it, but I saw something the other night in the Bama/LSU game I've never seen before. Bama was penalized 5 yards and the ref said it was because the Bama player did not point at the ref?!!

I've never heard that it was mandatory as part of a rule.

 

[SteveOS]

Interesting.

Thanks guys.

 

[jrumann59]

The tackle can't be the last on on the LOS. He has to be covered by a receiver. Receivers can line up anywhere on the field just as long as there are seven men on the LOS.