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Originally Posted by Ed Hickland
Unfortunately, I cannot locate any background on the exception and the logic behind it, therefore, can only speculate it was created to give the offense some leeway on punting situations.
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Ed, I don't have a historian's viewpoint, but I do remember in the early-to-mid-80s a rule was changed that affected my high school team, as well as most teams. The old rule had no numbering exception, but allowed teams to put smaller, quicker guys who were typically backs play speacial teams with a special slip-over vest that had an ineligible number on it.
THat was changed with the numbering exception that allowed the same players to play the same positions on special teams without those slip-over vests.
Another interesting item came up about 10 years ago when a coach around here had someone sew a flap onto a jersey made out of the jersey's material -- same color. (I hope I can describe this right) The flap was in the upper square of the block 8 of jersey number 81. The flap had velcro to hold it in place in one of two positions. Either it was in the middle of the 8, or you moved it and it covered one side, making it a 6. So 81 becomes a 61. The purpose of that shirt was to use a kid who they wanted to be a tight end, but might need as a tackle.
From what I remember, it was determined to be illegal and I don't think it was ever used in a game. That could be the answer to the A-11 -- nine guys are wearing 80-89, and five interior linemen pull the flap to be nmbered in the 60s on any particular play.
