[waltjp]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

This brings up another good question. I can see the OP happening in a sub-varsity game. If the coach said something before the game, that he might have two players in the game with the same number, do you cut him some slack knowing it's a sub-varsity game?

We did it a few years ago, informing the opposing coach of the situation before the game of course. The opposing coach had no problem with it at the time, but at halftime, he started griping about it causing problems for his players. My white hat said this is a freaking Saturday morning freshman game, give it a break.

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

You left yourself wide open by allowing it even at the sub-varsity level. Surely you cannot tell me that with all 99 numbers available the coach cannot work out an arrangement where duplicate numbers are participating at the same time.

And, as sure as you allow it this week, next week when I come along and say "no", coach says, they allowed it last week.

I guess it depends on what's accepted in your area. JV and freshman games around here are treated with a lot more leniency. Some schools are lucky enough to have enough jerseys to outfit the team, let alone worry about numbers. It's not a common problem but I have worked games where a back was wearing a lineman's number, or vice-versa. The offending coach usually informs us of the situation before the game and I've never had an opposing coach complain.