n Part XI we reviewed the "lineman" definition and looked at the relatively common formation where there are 3 linemen on each side of the snapper. As I pointed out, it’s primarily important to have both wing officials signaling clearly to each other so that at the snap they know how many players are on A’s line.

Why the downfield hand?

A standard signal for three on the line is holding the bill of your cap with your downfield hand. Check out the photo from Part XI. You may ask: Why do you use your downfield hand? The answer is that you need your other hand/arm available to provide another signal to the opposite wing and your other crewmates.

Continued...