Understanding Football Line Formations and Enforcement

Question
Victor,
The rule that says you must have 7 men on the line . Yet before an obvious passing play the takles are lined up sometimes 3 yards in the backfield. Sometimes the line is in a v shape. Why do the refs allow this.

Thanks

Answer
The line men must be on the line - their head must break the plane of the snappers hips.  You describe an illegal formation and it is something where officials need to be more consistent in calling.  Officials tend to use preventative techniques by warning or telling players and coaches to correct the formation but as you point out the corrections are not always made or penalized.  Officials should not permit this and it is an err  to allow it.