Changing Jerseys Midgame (and back again)

[Reverend30]

Had a question from a coach during our preseason meeting, and I had to give him the, "I'm not sure, but I'll get back to you" answer. I can't find anything that specifically prohibits this in the rulebook, so my inclination is to say it's OK, but I'm asking here for the good of the order. There are posts in the past on similar subjects that don't address this specific situation, so I hope there's some good conversation to be had.

Coach wants to use a player as a restricted lineman sometimes, and as a tight end sometimes.  When he is lining up as a restricted interior lineman he'll wear #79, and when he lines up at TE he will wear #80.  Is there any restriction on this?

As a follow up/sub-topic, does the player/coach have to inform the referee/officials that the change is taking place (or back again)?

[Ralph Damren]

The only concern I would have with a player  changing numbers is a disqualified player trying to re-enter a game by doing so. Prior to 1983 , 'pull on' jerseys were used to get five 50-79 numbered on the LOS for kicking downs.

[GoodScout]

Aside from the crew needing to monitor for ejected players, this is no problem. That which is not illegal by rule is by default, legal. Kudos to the coach for giving you a heads-up.

[bama_stripes]

In our state, any coach who allows a DQed player to reenter with a different number will face dire consequences.