Years ago...
In the land of Idaho, during a rivalry game, #26 of "The Green Team" was disqualified for striking in the first half.
During the third quarter, #36 of "The Green Team" scored a touchdown.
Several of the players of "The White Team" pointed out to The Officiating crew that Green 36 was "aka" Green 26 whom they ejected in the first half.
The officials gathered what to do...
It was decided to ask the head coach of The Green team!"
The Head Coach "reluctantly and shamefully admitted" it was indeed true.
The officials gathered and discussed what to do...
FYI - The score was Green 35 - White 0 with 5 or so minutes left in the 3rd.The officials issued a
Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Conduct Foul on the Head Coach and DQ's him!
The officials gathered and discussed what to do...
The officials then issued a
Flagrant illegal participation foul on Green 36 and DQ'd him.
(Unclear if there is an individual record for most DQ's in one game, but if so, 26/36 holds it)There was still more conversation from two or more of the officials.
The officials gathered and discussed what to do...
(There was deep and delayed discussion and, while not unanimous), the crew issued the big announcement:
The Referee is declaring the game a forfeit! The score at the time was Green 35, White 0; however the Final score was changed to: White 1 - Green 0
The state association, at first, was reluctant to support the officials decision, and Black Smoke came out of the association office chimney for a few days.
However, when there is disagreement among the ranks, there is always that pesky Rules Book
(which can always be relied on to get in the way of a good ball game). In this case the Rules Book prevailed:
NFHS 1-1-10....The Referee's decision to forfeit a game is final.
NFHS 1-1-11...Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized.
The final score, White 1 - Green 0; was recorded as official.
1- I am hopeful I am never faced with a like situation.
2- I am not certain I would have had the balls to forfeit a game.
3- I was not there, and as such I do not find any fault in the officials decision!
4- Sure would like to see a Casebook play that supported their decision.
Alf is absolutley correct when he posted:
...it all depends on why, and for what reason or purpose, the jersey was changed...