Editing Canadian football (section)

=== Offence ===
The offence must have at least seven players lined up along the line of scrimmage on every play. The players on either end (usually the [[wide receiver]]s) are eligible to receive forward passes, and may be in motion along the line of scrimmage prior to the snap. The other players on the line of scrimmage (usually the [[offensive linemen]]) are [[eligible receiver|ineligible]] to receive forward passes, and once they are in position, they may not move until the play begins.

Offensive positions fit into three general categories:

==== Offensive linemen ====
The primary roles of the offensive linemen (or ''down linemen'') are to protect the quarterback so that he can pass, and to help block on running plays. Offensive linemen generally do not run with the ball (unless they recover it on a fumble) or receive a handoff or lateral pass, but there is no rule against it.

Offensive linemen include the following positions:
: '''[[Center (gridiron football)|Centre]]:''' Snaps the ball to the quarterback to initiate play. The most important pass blocker on pass plays. Calls offensive line plays.
: '''[[Guard (gridiron football)|Left/right guards]]:''' Stand to the left and right of the centre. Helps protect the quarterback. Usually very good run blockers, opening holes up the middle for runners.
: '''[[Tackle (gridiron football position)|Left/right tackles]]:''' Stand on the ends of the offensive line. These are the biggest players on the line, usually well over {{convert|300|lb}}. Usually very good pass blockers.

==== Backs ====
Backs are behind the linemen at the start of play. They may run with the ball, and receive handoffs, laterals, and forward passes. They may also be in motion before the play starts.

Backs include the following positions:
: '''[[Quarterback]]:''' Generally, the leader of the offence. Calls all plays to teammates, receives the ball from the snap, and initiates the offensive play, usually by passing the ball to a receiver, handing the ball off to another back, or running the ball himself.
: '''[[Fullback (gridiron football)|Fullback]]:''' Has multiple roles including pass protection, receiving, and blocking for the running back. Sometimes carries the ball, usually on short yardage situations.
: '''[[Running back#Halfback/tailback|Running back]] (or ''tailback''):''' As the name implies, the main runner on the team. Also receives passes sometimes, and blocks on pass plays.

==== Receivers ====
Receivers may start the play either on or behind the line of scrimmage. They may run with the ball, and receive handoffs, laterals, and forward passes.

Receivers include the following positions:
: '''[[Wide receiver]]:''' Lines up on the line of scrimmage, usually at a distance from the centre. Runs a given route to catch a pass and gain yardage.
: '''[[Slotback]]:''' Lines up behind the line of scrimmage, between the wide receiver and the tackle. May begin running towards the line of scrimmage before the snap. Runs a given route to catch a pass and gain yardage.