Last Friday I noticed around 3 minutes before the end of the 1st half that the Home teams L guard was #41, he got switched out after an injury a few minutes prior. The team was on a drive inside their opp. 30 yd line, and I personally decided to let it go and bring it up at halftime. I told my WH about it and he told me I should of thrown the flag then. I was wondering what some of the other guys on the forum think.

In addition, the coach had the player change jerseys at halftime and neither coach complained. Should we penalize as we see or take game situation into account? (HS 5A Varsity game top level)
Thanks!!

A "Top level Varsity game", and this illegal formation was permitted to continue? I'd hate to be the crew the following week and have the same situation correctly flagged and have to listen to the coach saying, "they let us play like this last week".

This is as basic a foul as you can get, should be flagged and the player removed until the correct numbering for a lineman is worn. I'm assuming that the numbering for other 6 players on the line are correct. Changing jerseys on the sideline is not a problem.

I also assume that with #41 playing guard there were only 4 players numbered 50-79 at the snap. I agree with your referee that you should have immediately called the penalty.

However the penalty is Illegal numbering (7-2-5 Penalty) and not illegal formation. The only thing they have in common is the signal is the same for both infractions.

Food for thought:

Of course if they shifted into a scrimmage kick formation with the QB & yards deep taking the long snap #41 could take a position on the line between the ends on every play as the numbering requirement is ignored in this situation. In this case #41 is ineligible throughout the down due to his position.

Additionally, if there are 5 players numbered 50 -79 on the line #41 may line up as the L guard with no penalty. Again, he is an ineligible pass receiver during the down because of his position.

I might have let this go in a middle school game or an ankle biter game, but VARSITY - no way. At that level, they have to get this right. Flag 'em.

This is not illegal if there are 5 other players 50-79 on the line. He would be ineligible because of his position.

So if a team runs nothing but shotgun, QB seven yards from center, the numbering requirements are waived? Does your C get protection on every snap as well?

Yes to both questions.

By rule, yes. Now, in practice, most shotgun formations don't have the QB that far behind the line.

Can you please site NFHS rules references.

REPLY: NF 2-14-2 is the definition of a <i>scrimmage-kick formation.</i> and NF 9-4-6 is the prohibition against charging directly into the snapper when A/K is in a scrimmage kick formation.