Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen

We’re on the football field this week with 23 players.

Twenty-three is one too many; there should only be 22 on the field at once – 11 on offense, 11 on defense.

But on this play, the offense had a 12^th player lined up on the field.

What’s the call?

It depends on when the penalty is spotted.

If the officials catch it before the play is run, that’s an illegal substitution and a 5-yard penalty.

But if the ball is snapped and a play is run with 12 on the field – and the 12^th player is not attempting to get off the field – then it’s illegal participation and a 15-yard penalty. It’s also a 15-yard penalty if the offense uses a substitution to create a deception.

Previous 2025-26 editions

Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen