Referee microphones became recommended in 1991. They became STRONGLY recommended in 2003. The strong recommendation for lapel type microphones appeared in 2008. Referee’s microphones became
mandatory in 2010 (lapel type still strongly recommended).
Now, just when in there we began announcing numbers, I can’t say, but I’m sure it was well before 1999, because it was already being done when I broke into FBS in 1999. Surprisingly, it isn’t prescribed in the CCA manuals until 2005 (maybe 2004, but I can’t find my copy of the 2004 manual).
Not certain when the UIL (Texas) approved use of referee’s mics for their High School contests, but it has been since the mid-2000s, at least. Announcing numbers was not permitted at first, but the UIL permitted that many years ago.
The press box folks need the numbers, for record keeping and media reporting. Because of this thread, I’ve asked a number of friends and other non-officials if they pay attention to announcements of player’s numbers. A majority say yes, but that majority are largely men. Women don’t seem to care. But, none of those are parent’s of any current players. Not a scientific poll, but something of an indicator, anyway. Some folks need them, some folks want them, some folks don’t care.
So, there’s the history, and additional reasons for announcing numbers. I’m sure that won’t be good enough for some folks, but, we can only lead a horse to water.
What is it the young kids say? Peace out...
Robert