Question Number: 33723

High School 10/21/2019

RE: High School

Tony Reis of Sandwich, MA United States asks...

Are high school soccer players allowed to switch their uniform jersey number to a different number in the same season?

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Tony,
As indicated in Rule 3 -1-3 and you are aware, prior to the game each team must submit a roster with the names and numbers of each team member - players and substitutes all bench personnel such as trainers or managers, and all coaches.

This roster is very important because it is used by the officials for their after game report of cautions, disqualifications, and unusual incidents.

Switching jersey numbers would require notification of the referees. If the referees are not notified, cautions for illegally equipped players or unsporting conduct could be given to the players and head coach. Also the MIAA would be informed if the act were done to protect a player's eligibility.

If there is a need to switch jerseys and numbers, let the referee know so that the roster can be changed.

I hope that your team is having a successful year and that they do get to make the playoffs.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tony
I do not believe that squad numbers are provided for in NFHS rules so number allocation is a matter for the college.
The Rules require that each player wear a numbered jersey not what number a player should wear and that information is provided in each match roster.
Generally squad numbers are used so that players can wear their own sized equipment all season.