Requesting a defensive matchup

[Coach Bill]

NFHS rules. I was watching a 5th grade girls travel game the other day and one team substituted all 5 every few minutes. The team I was there to watch almost always took a couple defensive possessions before figuring out who they had.

I know a captain can request a defensive matchup on >= 3 subs.

Can the coach also request a defensive matchup, or does he have to tell the captain to do it? Secondly, if the captain is on the bench, is he/she still the only one that can request a defensive matchup? Thanks.

[JRutledge]

I do not have my rulebook right in front of me, but my understanding is the coach or the captain can make this request. I really do not care how they do it, as long as they let us know so we can give them an extra couple seconds to do this.

Peace

[Valley Man]

3-3-1 e A Captain may request a defensive match up ….

So I would be inclined to let the captain make the request if he is on the bench. However, telling the coach he can't will be fun.

[Adam]

I'm not telling the coach he can't request it. At that level, you may not even have captains.

[bob jenkins]

If the coach just stands up and says "Hey girls -- point at who you are guarding" the referee won't (well, shouldn't) put the ball in play until it's all straightened out.

[JRutledge]

Since I have only had this happen like once in my entire career, I think if a coach requests this, I would not be quick to put the ball in play any quicker than I usually do. Why cause a problem when you do not have to?

Peace

[Insane Blue]

Back when I was coaching I would request a Defensive Match-up whenever our opponent brought in 3 or more subs even if we where not in a man to man defense.

There is no reason not to grant any players or coaches request for a match-up in this situation.