Tom Higgins
CFL.ca
We are in the second season of a rule change. The head coach meets with the referee and umpire before the start of each game to identify a maximum of two players wearing an ineligible number (50-69) to be allowed to line up in an eligible position as an end or in the backfield and be eligible to catch a pass.
Each time one of these players enters the game to play in an eligible position they must report to the referee prior to the scrimmage play. The referee will inform the opposing team and all officials of the player’s number.
The reason for the rule change was twofold. One is for the ease and flow of the game and two, no jersey needs to be changed during the game.
In the 2007 season, we had these big men trying to put on or take off different jerseys to play in eligible positions which created a lot of confusion and chaos for players, coaches and officials.
With this rule change, the player must report on each play to the referee. If the player participates in two consecutive plays he must still report to the referee prior to each play he is in. If a player fails to report and occupies an eligible position Team A (the offense) will be penalized with a five yard penalty.
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