I'm not an official, but as a coach I lurk on this board to help understand the rules (and you refs!)


My team has gone almost exclusively to man to man defense. Yesterday, the other team was subbing 3-5 guys in at a time, and we had to switch to a zone because the kids couldn't keep up with who had who. I believe I read somewhere about a 'Match Up' rule, that helps teams deal with this problem. Can anyone point me to the rule?

BTW, NFHS rules.

Thanks!

Wow, great question! That rule has been there for a year or two, and this is the first time I've had to even think about it. I have no clue what the reference is, or how the procedure should go, but it's a great question!

The rule can be found under:

Rule 3-3-1-e:

A captain may request a defensive match-up if three or more substitutes from the same team enter during an opportunity to substitute.

A captain may request a defensive match up if 3 or more substitutes from the same team enter during an opportunity to substitute (3-3-1e).

Sure you guys, beat me to the reply while I'm looking up the exact rule.

What you have to do is post any old inane thing in order to be first in line, and then go back and edit it. Works every time.

Cagey, veteran move Rainmaker!

Is the rule that new? I thought it had been there for quite a while.

If memory serves, it was put in last season or the season before.

That rule existed when I played in the early 80s. Or at least I remember the coach telling to ask for a match-up and the referee granting said request.

The rule was there, removed without comment about 5 years ago, then reinstated, again without comment (iirc) 2 or 3 years ago.

Yep, fell out of the book for a year or to. It wasn't an editorial change or or deletion. It just disappeared. They re-inserted it a couple of years ago.

That explains it. I knew I'd seen it in the rule book in the early 90's. They must have taken it out when I was't officiating and put it back in just in time for my triumphant return.

Just have to make sure no one quotes you really quick!! ;) :D

i know the rule but ive never been asked for a defensive match up. has anyone else ever been asked? if i were still coaching i would defintly ask for a match up.

I have my 2003-04 book here with me, 3-3-1 (e) is greyed in to show that it's new.

I seem to remember it from before, though. I'll have to take a look when I get back to my dorm.