illegal numbers

[Back In The Saddle]

If you have not reached the 10 minute mark, and the team has enough legal jerseys, have the players change and fix the lineup with no penalty.

If the 10 minute mark has been reached, they could still change jerseys and change the lineup at the cost of a team technical foul.

If the kids with the illegal jerseys aren't going to play anyway, then you don't have a problem. Of course, you won't know whether they're going to play until you talk to the coach.

If any of the three participate while wearing an illegal number, it is a direct technical foul to the head coach. Only one T is assessed no matter the number of illegal jersey infractions that occur. So, in effect, the coach can buy these kids into the game at the cost of a T.

Note that unlike 3-5, which specifically prohibits a player from participating while wearing illegal equipment and/or apparel, 3-4 does not prohibit a player from participating while wearing an illegal uniform. Assess the penalty when it is discovered that the player is participating, and move on.

(See NFHS 3-4, 3-5, 10-1-2, 10-5-4)