When I played, you had to either start a varsity game (whick 99.9% of the time meant you were a regular any way), or play in a certain amount of quarters. Seniors always got one thier senior year regardless if this was thier 1st or 4th year and if they ever played a down, but only when seniors.

This is just a guess but I'd say it's to lock them in so they have the meet the "bonafide change of address exemption" if they choose to transfer.

 

There it is again! "LTI"

I don't think players should get one just for being on the team. We had guys who played football, but would intentionally see who could do the least at practices. The theory was they weren't going to play anyways.

Way back when I lettered as a sophomore for starting on the kickoff return team and filling in for a hurt player in a few games. I would think most coaches have a formula. I think JR at CCH went by number of quarters played in. Not sure how they do it now though.

When I played in the early 80's all Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors on the Varsity Roster lettered if they played in 12 quarters; they all lettered if the team made it to the state championship game and Freshman never lettered (they were not allowed to play on Varisty). Returnng Juniors & Seniors returned if they were on the Varisty Rosters for at least half of the season.