Illegal numbering

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Some areas are lenient on this in sub varsity games. We are not. Even in middle school games, teams must be properly numbered.

We treat sub-varsity games the way the teams approach them. Most of our schools view them as learning opportunities, so we do not worry about the numbering on the line, since the coaches are trying players at multiple positions. We do, however, insist on eligible numbers on receivers. We also make sure both coaches are on the same page BEFORE the games starts.

We have one league that approaches their sub-varsity games seriously. They even have a playoff series and crown a champion. In that league, all rules are enforced the same as in a varsity game.

Most middle school games are varsity contests, although a couple of schools also play a B-team schedule. Middle school varsity games are just as intense as the high school varsity games, and all rules are enforced. The B-team games are very informal, often with coaches on the field.

I guess what I am saying is, you are contracted to perform a service. In sub-varsity games, the entity with whom you contract can, within reason, determine the guidelines for that service.

[ljudge]

We overlook this at sub-varsity levels but are crystal clear with the coaches before hand. Actually, it makes it more difficult to officiate because you need to really commit to memory who is and is not eligible.

For midgets, the league has asked us to officiate the rule this way due mainly to budgetary constraints, especially with the youth leagues. The thing we don't allow is for two players to participate wearing the same number.

We've been told for Frosh and JV that some schools don't have the budgets to properly number all their players. So, I just go with it and again are up front with coaches and they have always been OK with it.

Communication is key.

[JRutledge]

Over and Back,

In this area we treat sophomore games like varsity games as it relates to rules like this. Sophomore games are to show that you can work a varsity game. More eyes are watching on these games so you cannot just dismiss the fact that this is a lower level game.

Also any official can call this. This is not just something the Umpire has. The Referee can see this as well. As a wing official you are likely not going to easily see this, but if it happens I do not see any reason why you would not call this. If the crew has a brain fart, they are not just going to blame the Umpire for this call being missed.

Peace

[OverAndBack]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Over and Back,

In this area we treat sophomore games like varsity games as it relates to rules like this. Sophomore games are to show that you can work a varsity game. More eyes are watching on these games so you cannot just dismiss the fact that this is a lower level game.

Also any official can call this. This is not just something the Umpire has. The Referee can see this as well. As a wing official you are likely not going to easily see this, but if it happens I do not see any reason why you would not call this. If the crew has a brain fart, they are not just going to blame the Umpire for this call being missed.

Peace

Gotcha. Thanks. Live and learn. First sophomore-level game and all that.