Question Number: 28097

Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/9/2014

RE: competive High School

John Holguin of Santa Cruz, California United States asks...

During a high school soccer game a player started with jersey #3 and in the second half was wearing #14 . There was nothing wrong with the first half jersey. The player did it to confuse the defense on their marks. Is this legal?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is not legal. High school rules require that the roster identify name and number. Only the keeper is permitted two numbers (one as keeper and one as field player).
The roster, however, can be changed at any time. It would be permitted for a player to report to the referee that the jersey had been changed at half time to a new number (so long as that number isn't already assigned to a different player).

I've seen players change a jersey in a misguided attempt to avoid a second card. But, I wouldn't think a defender who was marking the tall, skinny, left forward in the first half would get confused by the tall, skinny, left forward in the second half with a different jersey number.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Where jersey numbers are assigned in a roster there should be no change allowed except for very good reasons such as the replacement of a blood covered jersey.
Where it is likely to happen is an attempt to confuse the referee. Where there is an attempt to deceive the player should be cautioned and the situation rectified.
Players mark space / positions and players that enter that space. For instance a number 11 might move to say right back with the number 2 being moved forward. Good coaching and understanding should easily deal with the situation.